Long Island sixth grader dies in rafting accident during school trip in Pennsylvania

A sixth grader from Long Island's Sag Harbor died in a rafting accident on a school trip, officials said. 

It happened Wednesday in the Poconos.

Investigation underway

A raft capsized on the Lehigh River in East Penn Township around 5:30 p.m., the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said. All five people on the raft were ejected, but only one didn't surface – 12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay. A search team later found his body.

The other occupants of the raft were safely recovered.

Guncay was rafting with classmates as part of an annual class trip to the Poconos. According to a Sag Harbor schools spokesperson, it's the third year this trip has taken place, and 74 students attended. The students were supposed to stay overnight, but returned early after the tragedy.

"Our entire team is heartbroken by what occurred, and our first concern is for the family and friends of our guest," said Steve and Hilary Bretzik, owners of Whitewater Rafting Adventures. 

They added they are fully cooperating with the investigation.

Officials said life jackets were in use, but a review of safety equipment is a standard part of the investigation now underway.  

Community mourning 12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay

Grief counselors are being made available for students and staff. 

Ilana Lerner, a Sag Harbor schools senior, said an assembly was held Thursday to support grieving students.

"It's very heavy, it's very upsetting, but I can't even imagine what the family feels like," she said. "We're, like, a really close community, so it is really sad."

Lerner said she went on a similar class trip.

"I had life jackets on, and it was really fun," she said. "I was in the boat. There was a lot of people in the boat, I remember that."

"I know they've taken that trip many other times," Southampton resident Ciara Kieli said. "My best friend went to Sag Harbor, and nothing's happened, and it's just really really sad."

She added, "He shouldn't have lost his life that young."

"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," Sag Harbor Schools Superintendent Jeff Nichols wrote in a message to the school community.