Current:Home > MarketsTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -Capitatum
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-06 16:51:29
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! (7781)
Related
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber’s Pal Adwoa Aboah Reveals Baby Jack’s True Birth Date
- Georgia lawmakers seek answers to deaths and violence plaguing the state’s prisons
- When the US left Kabul, these Americans tried to help Afghans left behind. It still haunts them
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- California advances landmark legislation to regulate large AI models
- Caroline Garcia blames 'unhealthy betting' for online abuse after US Open exit
- Health officials in Wisconsin, Illinois report 3 West Nile virus deaths
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Brandon Aiyuk agrees to new deal with the 49ers to end contract ‘hold in,’ AP source says
Ranking
- Toyota to invest $922 million to build a new paint facility at its Kentucky complex
- New Mexico looking for a new state Public Education Department secretary for K-12 schools
- Oh, the humanities: Can you guess the most-regretted college majors?
- Moore says he made an ‘honest mistake’ failing to correct application claiming Bronze Star
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Paralympics in prime time: Athletes see progress but still a long way to go
- Boar’s Head plant linked to deadly outbreak broke food safety rules dozens of times, records show
- West Elm’s Labor Day Sale Has Ridiculously Good 80% Off Deals: $2.79 Towels, 16 Ornaments for $10 & More
Recommendation
Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
Call it the 'Swift'-sonian: Free Taylor Swift fashion exhibit on display in London
Angelina Jolie dazzles Venice Film Festival with ‘Maria,’ a biopic about opera legend Maria Callas
Mississippi sheriff sets new security after escaped inmate was captured in Chicago
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Darlington honors the late Cale Yarborough at his hometown track where he won five Southern 500s
Apple announces date for 2024 event: iPhone 16, new Watches and more expected to be unveiled
Boar's Head plant linked to listeria outbreak had bugs, mold and mildew, inspectors say