Loudoun NAACP President's Son Dies In Drowning Accident

LEESBURG, VA — A GoFundMe page was created for the family of Loudoun NAACP President Michelle Thomas, whose son died Thursday in an accidental drowning in the Leesburg area. Fitz Thomas, 16, reportedly drowned near the River Creek community in Leesburg.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office said Friday that its office responded to the River Creek community Thursday evening to assist Loudoun County Fire and Rescue personnel for a report of an unresponsive person in the water.

Thomas had finished his junior year at Riverside High School in the Lansdowne area. On the GoFundMe page, a commenter wrote: "Though I had not seen Fitz in three years, I will never forget his tender smile and kind heart. Just like his parents, he embraced others with an unmatched grace for such a young man."

Thomas and his friends were swimming across the confluence of Goose Creek and the Potomac River. As they crossed the water, Thomas' friends observed him go under water, according to the sheriff's office.

His friends attempted to search for him. Thomas was pulled from the river after being underwater for a period of time. He was taken by rescue personnel to Inova Loudoun Hospital where he died, the sheriff's office said.

"As many of you know, Pastor Michelle Thomas and family are grieving the loss of their beloved son," the GoFundMe page reads. "Pastor Michelle has been a champion of community across Virginia. From leading the NAACP in Loudoun to conserving the rich history of African ancestry, she is the definition of advocacy."

As business owners and residents of Loudoun County, the organizers of the GoFundMe page wrote: "We feel it is time that we rally around Pastor Michelle, Delroy, Adrian, and Anna. Hence, we will start a memorial fund at $500. We ask that you partner with us as we become the hands and feet of the Lord, extending help, love, and comfort in this time of sorrow."

Another commenter said her "heart breaks for the Thomas family." The commenter said her son is a fellow student at Riverside High School and "spoke fondly of Fitz."

"We are praying for you and wonderful Fitz who was so loved and will be greatly missed. Our hugs and prayers!" the person wrote.

To donate to the Thomas family, visit the GoFundMe page created in memory of Fitz Alexander Campbell Thomas.