Senior Stunt Gone Astray Led To South Jersey Teen's Drowning

PITMAN, NJ — The South Jersey teen who drowned in a lake had entered the water because of a scavenger hunt gone wrong, according to Victor Rodriguez's family.

Rodriguez's loved ones disclosed the information on a GoFundMe page for supporting the Pitman High School senior's funeral. Officials began searching for Rodriguez on Sunday night in Alcyon Lake before recovering his body Monday afternoon.

Each year, Pitman High School's graduating seniors organize the scavenger hunt, which isn't sanctioned by the school or the borough, Mayor Michael L. Razze Jr. told NJ Advance Media.

Read more:

• 'Marvelous Young Man': South Jersey Teen Mourned After Drowning
• Missing Teen's Body Recovered From NJ Lake, Victim IDed

The hunt involves completing tasks from a list students create. One of the tasks this year was to swim across Alcyon Lake, Razze told the publication.

Rodriguez attended Deptford High School for three years and was a senior this year at Pitman High School. He was a standout wrestler who left positive impressions on both communities.

"From all accounts, Victor was a marvelous young man; a loving son, a stellar athlete, and a loyal friend," the Deptford Township Police Department wrote on social media. "We send our deepest condolences to Victor’s family as we grieve this unspeakable loss with them. We stand with the Rodriguez family. Hug your children a bit tighter tonight."

Pitman High School canceled all exams for grades 9-12 on Monday and Tuesday and didn't require attendance. The school has remained open to students for emotional support and hosted an informational session for seniors on Monday afternoon. The exams will not be rescheduled.

All classes resumed Wednesday, with graduation set for 7 p.m.

View the GoFundMe for Victor Rodriguez.