The parents of 17-year-old D'Quan Mizzick say they are reeling and desperate for clarity after their son's body was pulled this week from a canal off Southwest 12th Avenue in Deerfield Beach. Relatives say he disappeared on Sunday after heading to the Fort Lauderdale area to babysit family members, and that the last text he sent asked his mother to pick him up and bring him to church. Loved ones are planning a celebration of life at 6 p.m. Saturday at the spot where his body was found.
Investigators: Autopsy Pending
The Broward Sheriff's Office told Local 10 that, for now, detectives do not suspect foul play as they wait for autopsy results. Officials have not yet released a cause of death or shared detailed public findings about how Mizzick ended up in the canal.
Family Leans on Faith
Both of Mizzick's parents are ministers at City of Expectation, and they say their faith is what is holding them together as the investigation continues. His mother told Local 10, "We don't know. Don't know," explaining that the last message she received from D'Quan was a request to be taken to church. His father said that leaning on God has been key to processing the shock of losing their son so suddenly.
Family Fundraiser and Memorial
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral and memorial costs. Organized by Angela Mathis, the effort had raised about $1,180 of its $12,000 goal as of July 8. The fundraiser page also lays out the family's timeline, noting that D'Quan was reported missing on July 5 and discovered two days later, and it asks for prayers and community support. Contact information for the organizer is listed for those who want to help directly.
How To Help or Report Tips
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Broward Sheriff's Office. For non-emergencies, residents can call the county's consolidated line at 954-764-HELP (4357) or use the contact options on the Sheriff's Office website. BSO's Deerfield Beach district handles local law enforcement for the area and maintains online resources for submitting tips and checking for case updates.
