Arlington High School Student Drowns After Kayak Flips In Swollen Creek

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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - An Arlington high school student had died after authorities say he drowned in a swollen creek.

John Cookson was a student at Lamar High School in Arlington. The 17-year-old was kayaking on Village Creek Wednesday, near Findlay Drive and San Paulo Court, when authorities say his canoe flipped. Two other teens with Cookson were able to get his body to shore.

Cookson was taken to a local hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Arlington Independent School District spokeswoman Leslie Johnston said the entire school is in mourning. "Today we have grief counselors available for any student or staff who wants to go speak to them. They're available in the library at Lamar High School."

In addition to being a student at Lamar High, Cookson was active in extracurricular activities. Johnston explained, "John was a member of the orchestra and he also played tennis, so certainly he will be missed at Lamar."

The following statement was posted on the Lamar High School website -

"Lamar Junior John Cookson passed away late in the evening on May 27th after a boating accident earlier in the day.  While at Lamar, John competed with the Varsity Tennis Team and Symphony Orchestra.  John's teammates appreciated his sense of humor and he could always be counted on for comic relief.  His passing will be felt in many places at Lamar.  Our condolences go out to his family and friends."

Cookson was also an employee of the Texas Rangers who sent out a tweet saying their thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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