ALLENTOWN, Pa. — The teenager who died after jumping from a railroad trestle into the Jordan Creek in Allentown Thursday was a Dieruff High School student.

In a message to the community, high school Principal Geoffrey Schmidt said city police told the Allentown School District the high school student died in a drowning accident.

In a news release, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio identified the teenager as 17-year-old Ameer Simmons, of Allentown.

Allentown police, fire and paramedics rushed to the 300 block of Basin Street just after 11:30 a.m. Thursday. He was pronounced dead at the scene in the area of the 300 block of Basin Street at 2:21 p.m., Buglio said.

Friends of the victim say a group of teens was walking down a set of train tracks, and at least one of them jumped into about six feet of water in the Jordan Creek. But, the victim did not come back up.

Buglio said his cause of death is drowning, and the manner of death is ruled an accident.

Schmidt said the district is increasing the availability of counseling and support services at Dieruff High School. School counselors, social workers, psychologists are available to support any student who may need someone to talk to as they process the news, and the Employee Assistance Program is available for staff at 610-433-8550.

“We encourage families to speak with their children and to contact our main office if additional support is needed. We respectfully ask that everyone be mindful and compassionate in how this information is shared as we continue to support the family and honor their privacy during this difficult time,” Schmidt said.

“Additional information regarding memorial arrangements will be shared as it becomes available, in accordance with the family’s wishes.”

“On behalf of the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Ameer’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragic loss,” Buglio said in his news release.

In his news release, Buglio said he wanted to remind everyone to be careful and use caution around the water, as people begin spending time around pools, lakes, rivers, creeks, and streams. He said natural waterways can be unpredictable, with changing currents, varying depths, hidden hazards, and cold-water temperatures.

“Please keep an eye on one another, avoid taking unnecessary risks, and never underestimate the dangers that water can present,” Buglio said.