Boy, 12, drowns during Pennsylvania school rafting trip

A 12-year-old boy died after a raft capsized during a school trip in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, authorities said.

The Sag Harbor Union Free School District identified the boy as Cesar Albarracin Guncay in a statement to parents, according to ABC 7. Guncay was among 75 students participating in the annual rafting trip Wednesday on the Lehigh River.

The Carbon County Coroner’s Office said Guncay died from accidental drowning. The incident occurred near the D&L Trail at mile marker 99, when the inflatable raft he was on with four other students capsized. All occupants were ejected into the water, and authorities recovered Guncay later that evening. He was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m., officials said.

Authorities have not disclosed details about river conditions, safety equipment, or what caused the raft to overturn. The incident is under investigation by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Superintendent Jeff Nichols expressed condolences, saying counselors would be available for students and staff. “Cesar was a cherished member of our school family,” Nichols said. “His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms and hallways.”

Source: Original Article