A 12-year-old boy drowns during a school rafting trip in the Pocono Mountains
Dr. Soma shares important Memorial Day water safety tips for families
Dr. Gauthama Soma, pediatric emergency physician and mother of two, offers important water safety advice for families this Memorial Day weekend. He emphasizes “touch guidance” for children near water, stressing that drowning is often silent and accidental death in young children is more preventable. Dr. Soma also advises parents to make sure children wear Coast Guard approved vests and learn CPR.
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A 12-year-old boy has died while at school rafting in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, authorities said.
The Sag Harbor Union Free School District identified the child as Cesar Albarracin Guncay in a statement to parents, according to ABC 7.
Guncay was participating in the annual cruise on Wednesday along with 74 other students, according to published reports.
“On behalf of the entire district, we extend our condolences to Cesar’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Superintendent Jeff Nichols said in a statement. “We ask our community to honor Cesar’s memory and keep his family in our thoughts.”
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The drowning occurred during a guided rafting trip on the Lehigh River, according to the Carbon County Coroner’s Office. (Cory Clark/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Carbon County Coroner’s Office said the student died of accidental drowning.
According to the coroner’s office, the students were participating in a rafting trip on the Lehigh River on Wednesday afternoon.
Guncay was one of the five students who were on an inflatable raft that was going down the river when the raft overturned, throwing everyone on it out of the water.
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The rafting accident happened on Pennsylvania’s Lehigh River during an annual school trip, authorities said. (Photos by Carol M. Highsmith/Buyenlarge/Getty)
Officials said that one of those who were inside did not appear again, which led to a search and rescue operation.
The boy was found in the river and found dead at 6:50 pm
The drowning happened near the D&L Trail at mile marker 99, according to the coroner’s office.
Authorities have not yet released additional details about factors such as river conditions, safety equipment, or the circumstances leading to the abandonment.
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The Lehigh River is a popular whitewater rafting destination in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. (Cory Clark/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nichols said school counselors will be there to support students and staff following the tragedy.
“There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss. Cesar was a precious member of our school family, the most important child to all who had the privilege of knowing him,” said Nichols.
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“His absence will leave an irreplaceable void in our classrooms, hallways and lives,” he added.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said the incident is still under investigation.
