Body identified as missing in Laguna Beach swimmer, Anthony Parnell

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- A body found near 1000 Steps Beach has been positively identified as missing Laguna Beach swimmer, 18-year-old Anthony Parnell of Las Vegas.

Parnell was at the beach with his girlfriend and two friends when he was swept off rocks into the ocean amid heavy surf on Feb. 8.

On Wednesday, a body was found near the rocks at Shell Beach, about a half-mile south of 1000 Steps Beach where Parnell was last seen. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday to determine the cause of death.

Parnell's parents issued a statement earlier in the week describing their son as a "wonderful human being."

"He was caring and very passionate. He loved his family and was incredibly close to his brothers. He loved football, music and art," the statement read. "He was a wonderful athlete and he was looking forward to joining the military like his two older brothers. He had already signed up with the U.S. Army. He loved to lie by the pool and he loved to cook. He respected his Centennial High coaches and he looked up to all of them. In this very difficult time we ask that everyone respect our family and its privacy."