Medford High School Grad Drowns In Upper Mystic Lake

MEDFORD, MA — A recent graduate of Medford High School was identified as the victim of a drowning in Upper Mystic Lake Monday night. Apurba Devkota, 18, was pulled from approximately 20 feet of water and taken to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10 p.m.

Devkota's sister told the Boston Globe he was celebrating his graduation from Medford High School with some friends. She said she did not know he would be at the lake.

"I am deeply saddened by the loss of a young member of the Medford Public School community," Medford Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent said in a statement Tuesday. "A well-respected young man, who excelled academically and socially. Our sincerest condolences go out to the young man's family and friends."

There will be grief counselors at Medford High School's Caron Theater July 2 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and July 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help the Devkota family pay for funeral expenses.

Did you know Apurba? Email us your memories and photos you took of him at alex.newman@patch.com and we'll include it an upcoming story.

Investigators believe Devkota could not swim and immediately was in distress after going in the water, according to the Middlesex District Attorney's office. The fire department said Tuesday there are no lifeguards posted in the area near the Tufts Sailing Pavilion, where Devkota was found, and swimming is not allowed.

"Wright's Pond and Sandy Beach are better and safer options when trying to cool off this summer," the fire department said in a statement.

Investigators do not suspect foul play.