Authorities have recovered the body of a high school senior who went missing while swimming in a South Jersey lake Sunday night, Pitman Police Chief Dan McAteer said.
The victim was identified as Victor Rodriguez, 18, a “standout” on the Pitman High School wrestling team, McAteer said.
The body was recovered in Alcyon Lake in Pitman by the New Jersey State Police on Monday afternoon and has been turned over to the Gloucester County Medical Examiner’s Office, officials said.
Trouble began around 8:30 p.m. Sunday when the teen was swimming across the lake and went under the water, authorities said. A friend and a bystander who were not in the water saw he was in trouble and swam out to try and help. They were unable to locate the swimmer and returned to dry land, according to police.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the lake at 8:42 p.m., officials said.
“It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community,” the Pittman School District said in a statement. “Earlier today, we learned that Victor Rodriguez, a senior at Pitman High School, passed away after a recent drowning incident. On behalf of the board of education, administration, and staff, we offer our sincerest condolences to Victor’s family and friends.”
A GoFundMe page created for Rodriguez’s family on Monday night has raised more than $20,000 in just a few hours.
The lake is 17.5 acres and about 10 to 12 feet deep. Swimming is not allowed and the area is very dark at night, making it difficult to patrol, McAteer said.
Pitman High School canceled all testing scheduled for Monday, but the school remained open to students seeking emotional support, according to a social media announcement. The district has not yet said whether its graduation, scheduled for Wednesday, will be postponed.
NJ Advance Media staff writer Matt Gray and photographer Dave Hernandez contributed to this report.
Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.
Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at [email protected].