MONDAY EVENING UPDATE: It is believed that the body of Kristoff Murray was recovered Monday afternoon, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Murray, 27, tried Friday to help a man and child who were pulled from the water off Apollo Beach. The bodies of the child and father were found Friday. Crews spent the weekend searching for Murray.

"We feel confident that (the body) is indeed Mr. Murray based on the physical attributes," said Sheriff Chad Chronister, adding that confirmation will be needed from the Medical Examiner's Office.

"To the Murray family, your husband, your brother, his actions were nothing short of heroic. He gave his life to two strangers in need," the sheriff added, thanking deputies and other first-responders who assisted in the search.

"We hope the Murray family can get some closure this evening," the sheriff added.

Chronister said the area where the bodies went missing is dangerous because of the strong current.

"I don't think anyone should be around that area," he said, saying he hopes more signs can be added that warn people of the danger.

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A scaled back search continues for a missing good Samaritan after a man and child were pulled from the water off Apollo Beach on Friday night and later died, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

What You Need To Know

  • The identities of the two dead have not been released

  • The search for the third swimmer continues in the waters near the 6000 block of Surfside Boulevard

At around 7:30 p.m., the sheriff's office received a 911 call about a man and a child were swept away by a current and a good Samaritan jumped into the water to help them, but was caught in that current as well, according to officials.

Officials say an adult was found dead and a child was found alive and taken to a nearby hospital, but later died, officials said.

The search for the third swimmer, 27-year-old Kristoff Murray, continues in the waters near the 6000 block of Surfside Boulevard. However, on Sunday, officials said the search would be scaled back.

Deputies say Murray — who they are calling the "Apollo Beach Hero" — jumped into the water to save the other two but was also swept away by the current. 

Officials say the wife of the good Samaritan saw the man and child were struggling and immediately jumped into the water to help save them both.

"I hope he’s somewhere out there. He’s a pretty good swimmer. We’re pretty hopeful. His mom is pretty hopeful. We’re just hoping for the best," said Tjonique Gray of her husband, Murray.

Search and rescue efforts have been ongoing all night for Murray and continued into Saturday morning.