Additional Coverage:
A tragic incident occurred Wednesday during an annual school rafting trip in Pennsylvania’s Poconos region, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old student from Sag Harbor. Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a sixth grader at Pierson Middle School, drowned after his raft capsized on the Lehigh River.
According to the Carbon County Coroner’s Office, emergency responders were called following reports of a drowning near the 99-mile marker on the river in East Penn Township. The raft carrying Cesar and four others overturned, ejecting all passengers into the water.
Unlike the larger group led by a river guide, Cesar’s raft was separate, and he did not resurface. His body was recovered by the Lehighton Fire Department Dive Team and taken to a staging area.
The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office confirmed the cause of death as drowning. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission spokesperson Mike Parker noted that life jackets were worn during the excursion.
However, he emphasized that every boating fatality prompts a thorough safety review. Parker also highlighted the unpredictable nature of boating accidents, pointing out that while last year there were 10 recreational boating deaths statewide, eight of those victims were not wearing life jackets.
Superintendent Jeff Nichols expressed deep sorrow in a statement, describing Cesar as a cherished member of the school community whose loss leaves a significant void. “There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss,” Nichols said, extending condolences to Cesar’s family and friends and noting that school counselors are available to support students.
Hilary and Steve Bretzik, owners of Whitewater Rafting Adventures, which organized the rafting trip, conveyed their heartbreak and offered their sympathies to those affected.
The community continues to mourn the loss of young Cesar as investigations into the incident are underway.