The teen's former principal remembered him as "a man of great character"
Credit: Facebook
NEED TO KNOW
- A Massachusetts teenager died in a drowning incident, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office
- Eighteen-year-old Kayron Garcia Costa went missing while swimming with friends at Houghton’s Pond in Milton, Mass., at around 7 p.m. local time on June 20
- Costa’s former high school principal shared that the teen was swimming at the pond with his classmates, all of whom had just graduated on June 9
A Massachusetts teenager died in a drowning incident, just days after his high school graduation.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office confirmed to local outlets, including CBS Boston, WJAR and Boston 25, that Kayron Garcia Costa, 18, went missing while swimming with friends at Houghton's Pond in Milton, Mass., at around 7 p.m. local time on Saturday, June 20.
Costa did not resurface after going underwater, and officials from the Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Team and Marine Unit and the Milton Fire Department, as well as other local crews, eventually located the teen before transporting him to a Boston hospital.
He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, the District Attorney's office confirmed on Sunday, June 21.
Credit: Facebook
Quincy High School principal Keith Ford wrote in a letter to families obtained by CBS Boston that Costa was swimming at the Boston-area pond with his classmates, all of whom had just graduated on June 9.
"Kayron was an awesome student at Quincy High School," Ford also wrote in a social media post. "He gained the respect of his classmates and teachers by being a man of great character."
"He was a Recognition of Effort Award Recipient, and when I had lunch with him he expressed how much Quincy High meant to him and his family," the principal continued. "Kayron, thank you for allowing us to get to know you during your time at QHS. To everyone who knew Kayron, may his legacy live on."
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"My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time," Ford concluded. "We ask for peace that passes all understanding. As a school community, let us come together in unity to honor the life of Kayron Garcia Costa. May he rest in peace!"
School officials shared that grief counselors would be available at Quincy High School and nearby Southwest Middle School.
The Norfolk County District Attorney's Office said state police detectives are investigating the tragic incident.
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