Sag Harbor Student Who Died In Rafting Accident On School Trip Was Wearing Life Jacket: Officials

SAG HARBOR, NY — A 12-year-old student from the Sag Harbor Union Free School District who died in a rafting accident while on a class trip to the Poconos was wearing a life jacket, officials told Patch.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is investigating the recreational boating incident that resulted in the fatality on the Lehigh River in East Penn Township in Carbon County, said Mike Parker, communications director for the PFBC.

At about 5:30 p.m. on May 27, a party of five boaters was traveling the river in an inflatable raft that was part of a larger group excursion with a guide, a statement from the PFBC said.

The raft capsized, resulting in all occupants being ejected from the raft into the river, including sixth-grade student Cesar Albarracin Guncay, 12, who did not immediately resurface, officials said.

Search and rescue operations were conducted and the boy was later recovered and confirmed deceased, the PFBC said.

All other occupants of the raft were recovered safely, the PFBC said.

The incident remains under investigation.

Parker said he could confirm that life jackets were worn by all occupants of the raft.

As with any boating fatality investigation, a review of safety equipment will be conducted, he said.

The Carbon County Coroner's Office said the death was an accidental drowning, according to NBC News.

In a statement, the company that organized the event, Whitewater Rafting Adventures, confirmed "the tragic loss of a participant on a raft trip Wednesday, May 27."

Company owners Hilary and Steve Bretzik said: "Our entire team is heartbroken by what occurred, and our first concern is for the family and friends of our guest."

The Bretziks said that their team is still gathering information about the incident, and that they are cooperating fully with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which is leading the investigation, along with support from the Pennsylvania State Police.

No additional information is available at this time, they said.

Sag Harbor Union Free School District Superintendent Jeff Nichols released a statement Thursday morning.

"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, following a rafting accident that occurred during the annual class trip to the Poconos," Nichols wrote in the statement.

A news release about the child's death from the Carbon County Coroner's Office said it responded Wednesday to the area of the D&L Trail at mile marker 99 along the Lehigh River in East Penn Township, Carbon County for a reported drowning, according to wfmz.com.

The coroner's office said the 12-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene.

The East End was wreathed in sorrow after the tragedy. A GoFundMe, "In Memory of Cesar Albarracin Guncay," was created by Huw Davies.

"On behalf of the Sag Harbor community, this GoFundMe is created to support the family of Cesar Albarracin Guncay.
Cesar — a kind, handsome and athletic 6th grader, a friend to many, and a beloved neighborhood kid here in Sag Harbor — tragically lost his life in a rafting accident in the Poconos on May 27.

"He is immediately missed by his classmates, teachers, school families and the entire community. To help his family during this impossibly hard time, please consider a donation. On behalf of everyone in this village, and across the East End of Long Island, we remember Cesar fondly, we mourn his loss deeply, and we send our love and condolences to his entire family."

The school community also mourned the unthinkable 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. His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways and our lives. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Cesar’s family and friends during this very sad time. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers," Nichols said in the statement.

"We recognize that this news will be painful and deeply unsettling for students, families, staff, and the community. Grief can feel overwhelming, especially for young people trying to make sense of something so heartbreaking. Our school counseling staff will be available tomorrow and in the coming days to lend support," Nichols said.

The Response Crisis Center and Long Island Crisis Center both offer a 24/7 crisis hotline and chat, he added.

"This is an incredibly difficult time for our community, and it is important that we lean on one another for support and comfort. In the days and weeks ahead, students may have questions and concerns relating to death, and are going to require your support at home and our continued support here at school as they work through their feelings and grief. Although we cannot predict how any child may react, we need to be sensitive and aware, both at home and at school, of the common reactions experienced by grieving adolescents," Nichols said.

He added: ""If at any time you or your child feel the need to speak with someone, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor or school support staff. We encourage families to keep close communication with their children, speak with them openly and compassionately, and contact the school whenever additional help is needed. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here to assist you every step of the way."

And, Nichols said: "On behalf of the entire district, we extend our deepest condolences to Cesar’s family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time. We ask our community to honor Cesar’s memory and keep his family in our thoughts."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.