East Penn Township, Pennsylvania — A school field trip meant to create lasting memories ended in tragedy after a 12-year-old sixth-grade student drowned during a rafting excursion in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains.
The victim, identified as Cesar Albarracin Guncay, was participating in an annual school rafting trip with classmates when the fatal accident occurred on the Lehigh River on Wednesday.
Raft Overturns During School Excursion
According to authorities, Cesar was a student at Pierson Middle School in Sag Harbor, New York, and was taking part in a guided rafting adventure as part of the school’s annual outing.
The Carbon County Coroner’s Office said emergency crews were dispatched after receiving reports of a drowning near the river’s 99-mile marker in East Penn Township.
Investigators determined that the raft carrying Cesar and four other occupants overturned in the river, throwing everyone into the water.
The coroner’s office stated that all five people aboard the raft were ejected into the water when it overturned, but one individual never resurfaced.
Rescue crews immediately launched a search operation.
Dive Team Recovers Student’s Body
Authorities said members of the Lehighton Fire Department dive team entered the river and eventually located the missing student.
The boy’s body was recovered from the water and transported to a nearby staging area.
Following an investigation, the Carbon County Coroner’s Office officially ruled the death an accidental drowning.
The tragedy has left family members, classmates and educators devastated as they struggle to process the sudden loss.
Life Jackets Were Being Used
Officials confirmed that safety precautions were in place during the rafting trip.
According to Mike Parker, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, everyone involved was wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.
However, Parker noted that investigators will still conduct a thorough review of all safety equipment and procedures.
“Any incident involving a recreational boating fatality” would trigger a review as part of the investigation, he explained.
Parker added that boating accidents involving fatalities remain relatively uncommon in Pennsylvania.
There were 10 recreational boating fatalities statewide last year, with eight involving individuals who were not wearing life jackets.
Officials Highlight Risks of Water Activities
Even with protective equipment, authorities emphasized that water conditions can remain dangerous and unpredictable.
Parker explained that life jackets alone cannot eliminate every risk associated with boating or rafting accidents.
“But even with a life jacket on … there’s still other factors,” Parker said. “And unfortunately, that’s what we seem to be dealing with in this case.”
Officials have not released additional details regarding what may have caused the raft to overturn.
School Community Mourns Student’s Loss
The loss has deeply impacted the Sag Harbor School District, where Cesar was known by classmates and teachers.
Superintendent Jeff Nichols issued a statement expressing sorrow over the tragedy.
“Cesar was a cherished member of our school family — a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him,” Nichols said.
He added, “His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways, and our lives.”
Nichols also extended condolences to Cesar’s family and confirmed that school counselors are available to support grieving students and staff.
Meanwhile, Hilary and Steve Bretzik, owners of Whitewater Rafting Adventures, shared their condolences as well.
“Our entire team is heartbroken by what occurred,” they said, adding that their primary concern remains with Cesar’s family and friends during this difficult time.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
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