Current:Home > MyTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -StockSource
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
View
Date:2025-04-16 03:12:17
A high school senior in Coffeyville, Kansas died from drowning just hours after graduating, according to reports.
Donations are pouring in for the family of the 17-year-old. According to a GoFundMe page, the funds will be used for funeral, medical, and other expenses for Alonzo Juan Juan's family. It also aims to help with the costs of transporting him to his family in Guatemala, where he is from.
Juan, a student at Field Kindley High School, drowned in Labette County's Big Hill Lake on Saturday, May 18, while with his friends celebrating obtaining his high school diploma, per the GoFundMe and local outlet KJRH. His body was recovered by a rescue team that evening.
"Many of us, like family, friends, [and] coworkers are deeply hurt with the news we received," the fundraiser said.
USA TODAY reached out to Field Kindley High School for additional comment.
Tragic drownings:2 teens die in suspected drownings after accepting dare, jumping off bridge into lake
School officials describe him as 'hardworking'
Coffeyville Public Schools confirmed Juan's passing with KJRH. School administrators reflected on his journey, specifically how he entered the district in middle school knowing only his native Mayan language.
During an interview with the outlet, Lisa Stockton, the district's ESL learning program director, touted the teen as a "hardworking student."
"It was a huge shock to us and our community, "Stockton said, adding, "He was very involved with the other students. It just proves that hard work and dedication and having goals is worthwhile. You can work towards those and meet them. He was a perfect example of that."
A former high school teacher, Shayla Reliford, told the news station that Juan had aspirations to become a doctor.
Tragic drowings:3 young men drown in Florida's Caloosahatchee River while trying to save someone else
School schedules vigil in the teen's honor
Field Kindley High School acknowledged Juan's passing in a Facebook post that included information about a candlelight vigil in his honor to be held on Thursday.
So far, the GoFundMe has raised over $5,600 of a $27,000 goal.
"He was born August 21, 2006 and he was loved by so many and touched lots of hearts with his kindness and sweet words. This isn’t goodbye it’s see you later," the fundraiser continued.
veryGood! (2248)
Related
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- Elon Musk says he has secured the money to buy Twitter
- Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's It Takes Two Co-Star Reveals Major Easter Egg You Totally Missed
- American killed, Ukraine couple narrowly escape strike as U.S. says 20,000 Russians killed
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- Gulf drug cartel lieutenant nicknamed The Goat arrested near Texas border
- Zendaya’s Stylist Law Roach Addresses Claim He’s “Breaking Up” With Her
- Estonia hosts NATO-led cyber war games, with one eye on Russia
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Fidelity will start offering bitcoin as an investment option in 401(k) accounts
Ranking
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- U.S. to send nuclear submarines to dock in South Korea for first time since 1980s
- Group aiming to defund disinformation tries to drain Fox News of online advertising
- EU law targets Big Tech over hate speech, disinformation
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Tobacco giant admits to selling products to North Korea, agrees to pay more than $600 million
- Elon Musk just became Twitter's largest shareholder
- Death of Khader Adnan, hunger-striking Palestinian prisoner in Israel, sparks exchange of fire with Gaza Strip
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Sudan ceasefire holds, barely, but there's border chaos as thousands try to flee fighting between generals
Penn Badgley Suggests You Season 5 Could Be Its Grand Finale
Transcript: Rep. Nancy Mace on Face the Nation, April 30, 2023
Skins Game to make return to Thanksgiving week with a modern look
Why Women Everywhere Trust Gabrielle Union's Hair Line to Make Their Locks Flawless
Family Feud Contestant Arrested and Charged With Murdering Estranged Wife
Justin Bieber Shows Update on Facial Mobility After Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Diagnosis