A 12-year-old boy from Long Island, New York, died Wednesday evening after an inflatable raft capsized during a school field trip on the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania.
The Carbon County Coroner's Office identified the victim as Cesar Albarracin Guncay.
>>> West Midlands Police Data Shows Racial Disparities in Stop and Search, Use of Force
He died from accidental drowning after the watercraft overturned, throwing five occupants into the river near the D&L Trail at mile marker 99.
Search and rescue teams recovered Guncay, who was pronounced dead at 6:50 p. m.
The other four boaters were safely rescued.
According to the Sag Harbor Union Free School District website, Guncay was among 75 sixth-grade students participating in the annual excursion to the Pocono Mountains.
Officials from the New York school district issued a letter to families identifying the student following the tragedy.
"It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved sixth grade student, Cesar Albarracin Guncay," the school district wrote.
Superintendent Jeff Nichols announced that school counselors would be provided to assist students and staff through the bereavement process.
"On behalf of the entire district, we extend our deepest condolences to Cesar's family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time," Nichols said.
>>> CMAT Condemns Online Body Shaming Following Big Weekend Performance
"We ask our community to honor Cesar's memory and keep his family in our thoughts."
Nichols expressed the community's grief over the loss. "There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss.
Cesar was a cherished member of our school family, a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him," he said.
The superintendent noted the impact the student's passing would have on the academic community.
"His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways and our lives," he added.
The guided excursion was operated by Whitewater Rafting Adventures, a local boating service that has operated near the Lehigh River since 1980.
"Our entire team is heartbroken by what occurred, and our first concern is for the family and friends of our guest," company owners Hilary and Steve Bretzik said.
The business owners stated they are currently gathering details regarding the incident and cooperating with law enforcement.
>>> Psycho Killer Debuts on Hulu and Disney Plus After Box Office Bust
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is spearheading the ongoing investigation with assistance from the Pennsylvania State Police.
