Sag Harbor Student, 12, Dies in Rafting Accident While On Poconos Field Trip: Superintendent

SAG HARBOR, NY — A 12-year-old student from the Sag Harbor Union Free School District died while on a class trip to the Poconos, Superintendent Jeff Nichols said Thursday morning.

"It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved sixth grade student, Cesar Albarracin Guncay, following a rafting accident that occurred during the annual class trip to the Poconos," Nichols wrote in a statement.

A news release about the child's death from the Carbon County Coroner's Office said it responded Wednesday to the area of the D&L Trail at mile marker 99 along the Lehigh River in East Penn Township, Carbon County for a reported drowning, according to wfmz.com.

The coroner's office said the 12-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene; the group was rafting Wednesday at about 5 p.m. when the raft flipped over, the outlet reported.

"There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss. Cesar was a cherished member of our school family, a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways and our lives. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to Cesar’s family and friends during this very sad time. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers," Nichols said in the statement.

"We recognize that this news will be painful and deeply unsettling for students, families, staff, and the community. Grief can feel overwhelming, especially for young people trying to make sense of something so heartbreaking. Our school counseling staff will be available tomorrow and in the coming days to lend support," Nichols said.

The Response Crisis Center and Long Island Crisis Center both offer a 24/7 crisis hotline and chat, he added.

"This is an incredibly difficult time for our community, and it is important that we lean on one another for support and comfort. In the days and weeks ahead, students may have questions and concerns relating to death, and are going to require your support at home and our continued support here at school as they work through their feelings and grief. Although we cannot predict how any child may react, we need to be sensitive and aware, both at home and at school, of the common reactions experienced by grieving adolescents," Nichols said.

He added: ""If at any time you or your child feel the need to speak with someone, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s counselor or school support staff. We encourage families to keep close communication with their children, speak with them openly and compassionately, and contact the school whenever additional help is needed. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here to assist you every step of the way."

And, Nichols said: "On behalf of the entire district, we extend our deepest condolences to Cesar’s family and loved ones during this extraordinarily difficult time. We ask our community to honor Cesar’s memory and keep his family in our thoughts."