Current:Home > InvestTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -AssetLink
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-10 19:16:01
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! (158)
Related
- RFK Jr. grilled again about moving to California while listing New York address on ballot petition
- MRI on Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin’s toe injury showed no major damage, an AP source says
- Melissa Joan Hart Reveals She Was Almost Fired From Sabrina After Underwear Photoshoot
- Trader Joe's recalls vegan crackers because they could contain metal
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- At March on Washington’s 60th anniversary, leaders seek energy of original movement for civil rights
- NBA fines James Harden over comments that included calling 76ers' Daryl Morey 'a liar'
- SEC conference preview: Georgia has company with Alabama, LSU Tennessee in chase
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- 1 student killed, 23 injured after school bus flips in Ohio to avoid striking minivan
Ranking
- A Georgia governor’s latest work after politics: a children’s book on his cats ‘Veto’ and ‘Bill’
- 1 in 5 women report mistreatment from medical staff during pregnancy
- See the nearly 100-year-old miracle house that survived the Lahaina wildfire and now sits on a block of ash
- Whitney Port, 'Barbie' and the truth about 'too thin'
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- The biggest and best video game releases of the summer
- S&P just downgraded some big banks. Here are the 5 that are impacted.
- 1 student killed, 23 injured after school bus flips in Ohio to avoid striking minivan
Recommendation
Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
Washington Commanders end Baltimore Ravens' preseason win streak at 24 games
Washington Commanders rookie Jartavius Martin makes electric interception return
Vanessa Bryant Keeps Kobe and Daughter Natalia’s First Day of School Tradition Going With Flower Delivery
Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
Tony Stewart Racing driver Ashlea Albertson dies in highway crash
Hawaii officials urge families of people missing after deadly fires to give DNA samples
Al-Nassr advances to Asian Champions League group stage