A recent Brighton High School graduate has died in a boating accident in the Finger Lakes.
Schuyler County deputies identify the victim as 17 year old Owen Thomas.
Thomas died after an accident Thursday night on Waneta Lake in Schuyler County.
Deputies say the incident happened just after 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, when Thomas fell overboard. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Two others on the boat were treated at the hospital. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
In a statement on the school district’s website, Superintendent of Schools Kevin McGowan describes Owen as an active, accomplished student, a multi-sport athlete, and “just an all-around good soul.”
McGowan says that Owen touched many during his school career, and he says the district is “incredibly saddened by this loss and express our heartfelt condolences to his family and all of those undoubtedly deeply affected by this tragedy.”
Counseling is available at The Brighton High School Counseling Center on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
McGowan says the district is still in the process of gathering more information and exploring how they can support Owen’s family, friends and classmates.
