A senior from Pitman High School in New Jersey tragically drowned while attempting to swim across Alcyon Lake as part of a school scavenger hunt.
Eighteen-year-old Victor Rodriguez went missing on the evening of Sunday, June 11, during the ill-advised event. Two others tried to help him when he began to struggle in the water, but were forced to return to shore, overwhelmed. After 17 grueling hours, first responders recovered Rodriguez’s body from the lake on Monday, June 12.
Officials said that swimming is forbidden in Alcyon Lake, which has an approximate depth of 10 to 12 feet. The lake’s dense, grassy bottom posed considerable challenges for divers due to its thickness and proximity to the surface.
Rodriguez, who was nearing his graduation from Pitman High School, was participating in a longstanding tradition among the senior students: a scavenger hunt. One challenge required swimming across the lake to earn points. Following the tragedy, Pitman High School canceled exams on Monday and Tuesday, with no plans to reschedule.
A successful wrestler, Rodriguez had an impressive record of 30-8 and helped lead his team to a Tri-County Conference Classic Division title this academic year. A vigil was held in his honor at the United Methodist Church in Pitman.
To support Rodriguez’s family, a GoFundMe page was established, raising over $45,000 as of Tuesday morning. The fundraising effort urges people to extend the same love and support that Rodriguez generously provided to others. The Pitman Police Department has yet to issue a statement on the incident.
