A sixth-grade student from Long Island’s Sag Harbor lost his life in a rafting accident during his school’s annual class trip to the Poconos, the district superintendent wrote in an email to families on Wednesday.
Cesar Albarracin Guncay died after a rafting accident during his school’s annual excursion. He was 12 years old.
Little else was immediately shared regarding the circumstances.
“There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss,” the superintendent’s email said. “Cesar was a cherished member of our school family, a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways, and our lives.”
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Cesar’s family and friends during this very sad time, the note continued. “We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
Officials say Cesar was rafting on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania with classmates when the float flipped. Authorities first called to the scene came for a report of a drowning.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is investigating. It confirmed the boy was one of five people, including at least one adult, on the raft when it capsized. He didn’t immediately surface with the others.
Cesar’s body was pulled from the water and taken by emergency personnel to a park, where he was pronounced dead Tuesday night, Newsday reported.
Officials say they believe Cesar was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident, though that is a matter of ongoing investigation.
A cousin of the victim said rafting was just part of the school trip — and an element that Cesar was thrilled about. Originally from Ecuador, he came to the United States three years ago, ahead of his parents, she said.
Cesar learned English; he loved art and soccer. His cousin, tears streaming down her face, described his experience as living the American dream.