Current:Home > MyTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -MoneySpot
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
Burley Garcia View
Date:2025-04-08 23:08:04
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! (53)
Related
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Spanish singer Miguel Bosé robbed, bound along with children at Mexico City house
- Guatemala elects progressive Arévalo as president, but efforts afoot to keep him from taking office
- Social Security COLA increase will ‘return to reality’ in 2024 after jump, predictions say
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- As rents and evictions rise across the country, more cities and states debate rent control
- Europe’s sweeping rules for tech giants are about to kick in. Here’s how they work
- Bill Vukovich II, 1968 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year, dies at 79
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Divisive Thai ex-Prime Minister Thaksin returns from exile as party seeks to form new government
Ranking
- The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
- Nissan recalls more than 236,000 cars over potential steering issues
- 'Star Wars' exclusive: Read a Boba Fett excerpt from new 'Return of the Jedi' collection
- Djokovic outlasts Alcaraz in nearly 4 hours for title in Cincinnati; Coco Gauff wins women’s title
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- CBS News poll finds Trump's big lead grows, as GOP voters dismiss indictments
- Demi Lovato and Longtime Manager Scooter Braun Part Ways After 4 Years
- 'Blue Beetle' rises to the challenge, ends 'Barbie's month-long reign at box office
Recommendation
Sam Taylor
Pregnant Stassi Schroeder Is “Sobbing” After Tropical Storm Hilary Floods Baby Nursery
Canadian firefighters make progress battling some blazes but others push thousands from their homes
Kansas newspaper releases affidavits police used to justify raids
Nearly half of US teens are online ‘constantly,’ Pew report finds
Alabama can enforce ban on puberty blockers and hormones for transgender children, court says
Viktor Hovland shoots career-low round to win 2023 BMW Championship
Many Lahaina wildfire victims may be children, Hawaii governor says