Family of Autistic Boy Pulled From High School Pool 'Cannot Understand' How He Died

CHICAGO, IL — The family of a 14-year-old autistic boy who died after being found unconscious in his high school's swimming pool has started a GoFundMe page to help pay for a funeral. But the relatives of Rosario Israel Gomez still have questions about how this tragedy happened.

"We are all devastated and cannot understand how the place your child should feel safe … suddenly becomes the reason why he does not come home," according to a statement on the fundraising page, which hopes to raise $10,000. As of Thursday morning, it had raised more than $3,000.

Israel, as his family refers to him on the GoFundMe page, was pulled from the pool at John F. Kennedy High School, 6325 W. 56th St., after the boy was discovered unconscious in 4 to 8 feet of water Wednesday afternoon. He was taken to McNeal Hospital in Berwyn, where he was pronounced dead.

Chicago police are investigating the incident, but the department and Chicago Public Schools have not released any information about the events surrounding it, according to the Chicago Tribune.

RELATED: Unconscious Teen Pulled From High School Pool Dies

On the GoFundMe page, Israel's family talked about being "addicted to his charming ways" and discussed the things the boy enjoyed in life:

"His autism was what made him strong, what made him unique. He loved trains, he loved taking the subway and going on trips in the Metra. He could tell you every stop from his home all the way to whatever destination you had. He loved school and always looked forward to getting up and going. … He loved to help grandma with anything she needed, especially since she has trouble walking. He loved going everywhere with his grandfather."

The news of Israel's death was particularly difficult for the boy's grandfather. He was hospitalized after being told the boy had died.

Go to the GoFundMe page for Rosario Israel Gomez to donate to his funeral.

screen shot via GoFundMe

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