Current:Home > FinanceTeen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports -Quantum Capital Pro
Teen drowns in lake just hours after graduating high school in Kansas: Reports
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-06 10:17:54
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! (91)
Related
- Backstage at New York's Jingle Ball with Jimmy Fallon, 'Queer Eye' and Meghan Trainor
- Janet Yellen says the Trump administration’s China policies left the US more vulnerable
- Finland to close again entire border with Russia as reopening of 2 crossing points lures migrants
- Are Costco, Kroger, Publix, Aldi open on Christmas 2023? See grocery store holiday status
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- 2023 was a great year for moviegoing — here are 10 of Justin Chang's favorites
- Hugh Grant hopes his kids like 'Wonka' after being 'traumatized' by 'Paddington 2'
- Veteran Taj Gibson rejoining New York Knicks, reuniting with Thibodeau
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Virginia 4th graders fall ill after eating gummy bears contaminated with fentanyl
Ranking
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Virginia 4th graders fall ill after eating gummy bears contaminated with fentanyl
- Woman and man riding snowmachine found dead after storm hampered search in Alaska
- How the deep friendship between an Amazon chief and Belgian filmmaker devolved into accusations
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Changes to Georgia school accountability could mean no more A-to-F grades for schools and districts
- What I Learned About Clean Energy in Denmark
- NFL Week 15 picks: Will Cowboys ride high again vs. Bills?
Recommendation
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Incredible dolphin with 'thumbs' spotted by scientists in Gulf of Corinth
Bucks, Pacers have confrontation over game ball after Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 64
Changes to Georgia school accountability could mean no more A-to-F grades for schools and districts
Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
Few US adults would be satisfied with a possible Biden-Trump rematch in 2024, AP-NORC poll shows
Promising new gene therapies for sickle cell are out of reach in countries where they’re needed most
NBA All-Star George McGinnis dies at 73 after complications from a cardiac arrest