An account has been set up to help the family of 18-year-old Nelson teen Wynter Emerson, bring his body home from the US.

Wynter Levi Emerson

Mr Emerson was last seen in Seattle after attending the Bumbershoot Music Festival, which ended on September 1.

His body was pulled from Lake Union in Seattle by a police harbour unit boat today after authorities received calls from witnesses who saw something floating in the south end of the lake.

An account has been set up as his parents are unable to afford the return of his body.

Seattle police say it appears there wasn't any foul play in the death and that it's too early to determine the cause of death.

Mr Emerson's parents have said having their son go missing abroad was "a parent's worst nightmare" and have since asked for privacy.