MEDFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - Family members are mourning an 18-year-old recent Medford High School graduate who drowned Monday in a popular swimming location neighbors say was an “accident waiting to happen.”
Apurba Devkota entered Upper Mystic Lake near the Tufts Boat House dock in Medford and failed to resurface around 8 p.m. on Monday, according to family members.
Dive teams began searching around the dock and eventually found Devkota in about 20 feet of water, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office announced.
He was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 10 p.m.
Devkota’s sister told 7NEWS that the passing of her brother is hard to grasp.
“I just can’t believe I’ve lost my little brother,” she said. “He was the man of the family and we will miss him so much.”
Park users said the dock area is often crowded and full of swimmers, despite signs that say swimming is not allowed. Guilherme Faxina said the place is a popular party spot.
“They swim every day, the cops come by and shut us down for the music but never care about swimming and stuff,” Faxina said.
“This was an accident waiting to happen, it was just a matter of time” said parkgoer Linda Ciccolo. T”There are no less than 100 people on this dock every weekend.”
Mayor Stephanie M. Burke and Superintendent of Schools Marice Edouard-Vincent issued a joint statement, offering their sympathy.
“As Mayor of Medford, but more importantly a mother, there is no greater loss than the loss of a child,” Burke said. “A tragedy has occurred within our community, and for that I am heartbroken.”
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of a young member of the Medford Public School community,” Edouard-Vicent continued. “A well-respected young man, who excelled academically and socially. Our sincerest condolences go out to the young man’s family and friends.”
Counseling and support services will be provided at Medford High School’s Caron Theater on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The DA’s office says foul play is not suspect.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)