Current:Home > InvestTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -FundCenter
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
View
Date:2025-04-26 07:18:18
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! (1214)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- LSU All-American Angel Reese signs endorsement deal with Reebok
- Koolaburra by UGG Sale: Keep Your Toes Toasty With Up to 55% Off on Boots, Slippers & More
- Major solar panel plant opens in US amid backdrop of industry worries about low-priced Asian imports
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Cambodian court sentences jailed opposition politician to 3 more years in prison
- South Carolina teen elected first Black homecoming queen in school's 155 years of existence
- New Orleans district attorney and his mother were carjacked, his office says
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- West Virginia teacher charged with abuse after student says she duct taped mouth, hands
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Las Vegas prosecutor faces charges after police say he tried to lure an underage girl for sex
- Prosecutors seek to recharge Alec Baldwin in the Rust movie shooting
- US announces sanctions against a group of 10 Hamas members and financial network over Israel attack
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Sophia Bush Is Dating Soccer Star Ashlyn Harris After Respective Divorce Filings
- How the Secret Service plans to keep President Biden safe in Israel: ANALYSIS
- Jurors in New Mexico deliver split verdicts in kidnapping and terrorism case
Recommendation
'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
Britney Spears reveals she had abortion while dating Justin Timberlake in new memoir
Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian Recalls Ultrasound That Saved Her and Travis Barker's Baby
Suspect in fatal shooting of 2 Swedes in Belgium shot dead by police, authorities say
SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
Julianne Hough Is Joining Dancing With the Stars Tour and the Details Will Have You Spinning
How a consumer watchdog's power became a liability
Juventus midfielder Nicolò Fagioli gets seven-month ban from soccer for betting violations