ROYALTON, N.Y. (WKBW) — New York State Police are investigating the death of a teenager in a swimming pond in Niagara County.
The 911 call came from Deer View Drive in the Town of Royalton at 6:42 p.m. on Sunday. The caller reported that a 17-year-old boy was in a swimming pond, went underwater, and never resurfaced.
The New York State Police Underwater Recovery Team and Niagara County Sheriff's Office Dive Team searched the pond. At 8:53 p.m., the dive team recovered the body in about 10 feet of water.
The victim was taken to the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.
On Wednesday, police identified the victim as Quinn Cratsenberg of Royalton.
The Akron Central School District posted the following message to its school community on its website:
It is with deep sadness that we share news of a heartbreaking loss in our school community. On Sunday evening, our senior student, Quinn Cratsenberg, passed away after an accident near his home.
In this time of unimaginable grief, our hearts are with Quinn's family. We hope they feel the love, compassion, and strength of the Akron community surrounding them. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, and respect their request for privacy as they navigate these difficult days.
Although school is not currently in session, we know this loss will have a profound impact on our students, staff, and families. Grief can be overwhelming, especially without the familiar routines of school. Our counselors and administrators are working to ensure that support is available to anyone who needs it.
If you or someone you know needs to talk with a counselor, support will be available on campus for walk-in appointments on the following dates and times:Please enter at the Main Entrance near the flagpoles, and we will escort you to a counseling office. If you would like to request a specific date and time, or a virtual/phone appointment, please complete the Grief/Crisis Support Request Form. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out right away using this Crisis Contact Information. We also have additional resources available on our website to help you support your child during times of grief.
- BestSelf Counselors: Wednesday 8/13 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
- Crisis Services: Wednesday 8/13 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
- Crisis Services: Wednesday 8/13 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Additional counseling may be available on Thursday or Friday upon request
We know that many will wish to find ways to honor Quinn and support his family. In the days ahead, we will share details about how we can come together to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to so many.
A GoFundMe page has been organized to help raise money for the family. As of Wednesday at noon, it has raised more than $10,000.
