A Massachusetts teenager’s bright future was cut short just days after he celebrated a major milestone.
Kayron Garcia Costa, 18, died after a drowning incident at Houghton’s Pond in Milton, Massachusetts, while swimming with friends on Saturday, June 20, according to the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Officials said Costa went missing in the water around 7 p.m. after he went under and did not resurface.
A major search followed, with the Massachusetts State Police Underwater Recovery Team, Marine Unit, Milton Fire Department and other local crews responding to the scene. The teenager was eventually found and rushed to a Boston hospital.
He was later pronounced dead.
The tragedy came less than two weeks after Costa graduated from Quincy High School on June 9.
Quincy High School principal Keith Ford said Costa had been swimming at the pond with classmates who had also recently graduated.
“Kayron was an awesome student at Quincy High School,” Ford wrote in a social media tribute. “He gained the respect of his classmates and teachers by being a man of great character.”
Ford said Costa had received a Recognition of Effort Award and once shared during lunch how much Quincy High meant to him and his family.
“Kayron, thank you for allowing us to get to know you during your time at QHS,” Ford continued. “To everyone who knew Kayron, may his legacy live on.”
The principal also asked the school community to rally around Costa’s loved ones after the heartbreaking loss.
“My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time,” Ford wrote. “We ask for peace that passes all understanding. As a school community, let us come together in unity to honor the life of Kayron Garcia Costa. May he rest in peace!”
Grief counselors were made available at Quincy High School and nearby Southwest Middle School for students and staff coping with the loss.
