Current:Home > reviewsTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -Wealthify
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
View
Date:2025-04-13 06:01:39
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! (7)
Related
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- Hyundai, Chrysler, Porsche, BMW among 94K vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here
- The 10 biggest Paris Olympics questions answered, from Opening Ceremony to stars to watch
- Guns n' Roses' Slash Shares His 25-Year-Old Stepdaughter Has Died
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Biden's exit could prompt unwind of Trump-trade bets, while some eye divided government
- Plane crashes near the site of an air show in Wisconsin, killing the 2 people on board
- Thom Brennaman lost job after using gay slur. Does he deserve second chance?
- Small twin
- Full transcript of Face the Nation, July 21, 2024
Ranking
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- Everything you need to know about Katie Ledecky, the superstar American swimmer
- Mamie Laverock speaks out for first time after suffering 5-story fall: 'My heart is full'
- Wildfires in California, Utah prompt evacuations after torching homes amid heat wave
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Bruce Springsteen's net worth soars past $1B, Forbes reports
- Designer Hayley Paige reintroduces herself after regaining name and social media accounts after lengthy legal battle
- U.S. travel advisory level to Bangladesh raised after police impose shoot-on-sight curfew amid protests
Recommendation
US Open player compensation rises to a record $65 million, with singles champs getting $3.6 million
Emotional Baseball Hall of Fame speeches filled with humility, humor, appreciation
Andrew Garfield's Girlfriend Kate Tomas Calls Out Misogynistic Reactions to Their Romance
Trump, Ukraine's Zelenskyy speak by phone
Tropical rains flood homes in an inland Georgia neighborhood for the second time since 2016
Katy Perry's 'Woman's World' isn't the feminist bop she promised. She's stuck in the past.
Officials to release video of officer shooting Black woman in her home after responding to 911 call
Sam Smith Shares They Were Unable to Walk After Skiing Accident