– Teen who drowned wanted to help his family
– Friends say teen who drowned wanted to be great.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — The community of Port St. Lucie is reeling from the tragic death of 16-year-old Ja\’Quon Madaris, who drowned in the St. Lucie River. The ripple effect of grief is being felt by all those who knew and loved him.
WPTV reporter Joel Lopez spoke with the teen’s mother, who expressed that the family is still grieving and not yet ready to speak on camera.
It has been revealed through research that Madaris was a recent graduate of St. Lucie Acceleration Academies, where he had just received his diploma in May.
Octavia Williams, Madaris’ counselor at St. Lucie Acceleration Academies, expressed her shock and sadness at the news of his passing. She described Madaris as someone with a heart of gold, always willing to help others and with a bright, outgoing personality.
Condolences and Support Pour In
The staff at St. Lucie Acceleration Academies released a statement offering their deepest condolences to Madaris’ family and friends. They emphasized the impact he had on those around him and announced that counselors will be available on-site to provide support to students and staff during this difficult time.
Williams shared that when she first met Madaris, he had set a goal to graduate early, which he successfully achieved. She spoke of his dedication to his education and his aspiration to provide for his family through his passion for fishing, which he shared on his online channel.
Daniel Toback, a member of the community, praised Madaris for his love for his family and his determination to support them. Toback recounted a conversation he had with Madaris, where the teen sought advice on growing his fishing channel to help his family after the loss of his young niece.
Community Support and Fundraising Efforts
Toback shared that the community has rallied around the Madaris family, with hundreds offering their support and condolences online. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise funds for Ja\’Quon’s funeral, which is expected to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Port St. Lucie police reported that this tragic incident was the second open-water call of the year, with the other being a toddler drowning in a pond in February. This has prompted a discussion on water safety measures and the need for continuous improvement in preventing such incidents in the future.
Addressing Water Safety Concerns
Chief of Police Richard Del Toro emphasized the importance of educating young people about water safety and the dangers of open water. He highlighted the need for swim lessons and ongoing conversations about water safety, especially in recreational areas like the St. Lucie River.
Del Toro also discussed the potential for improvements in signage and rescue equipment along the Riverwalk Boardwalk, where the incident took place. He assured the community that safety measures are being considered and that input from residents is welcomed.
As the community mourns the loss of Ja\’Quon Madaris, the focus remains on supporting his family and ensuring that measures are in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
.
– teen who drowned wanted to help his family
– friends say teen who drowned wanted to help his family.