Current:Home > FinanceTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -Secure Growth Academy
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
View
Date:2025-04-22 12:41:38
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! (2)
Related
- Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
- Michael J. Fox Reveals His One Condition for Returning to Hollywood
- 'The surgeon sort of froze': Man getting vasectomy during earthquake Friday recounts experience
- Here's how one airline is planning to provide a total eclipse experience — from 30,000 feet in the air
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Taiwan earthquake search and rescue efforts continue with dozens still listed missing and 10 confirmed dead
- Can animals really predict earthquakes? Evidence is shaky, scientists say
- Suki Waterhouse confirms birth of first baby with Robert Pattinson, shares first photo
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Caitlin Clark reveals which iconic athlete is on her screensaver — and he responds
Ranking
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Federal investigation begins of fatal Florida crane collapse; bridge reopens
- 'No that wasn't the sound system': Yankees react to earthquake shaking ground on Opening Day
- Inside Exes Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher’s Private World
- McConnell absent from Senate on Thursday as he recovers from fall in Capitol
- 3 people killed in crash of small plane in southeastern Oklahoma, authorities say
- Sean Diddy Combs and Son Christian Sued Over Alleged Sexual Assault and Battery
- WrestleMania's Rock star: Why Dwayne Johnson's WWE uber-heel is his greatest role ever
Recommendation
The city of Chicago is ordered to pay nearly $80M for a police chase that killed a 10
Workers sue to overturn law that exempts Atlantic City casinos from indoor smoking ban
Experts predict extremely active Atlantic hurricane season
Boeing’s CEO got compensation worth nearly $33 million last year but lost a $3 million bonus
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
Saniya Rivers won a title at South Carolina and wants another, this time with NC State
J. Cole drops surprise album 'Might Delete Later,' including response to Kendrick Lamar's diss
Part of a crane falls on Fort Lauderdale bridge, killing 1 person and injuring 3 others