Seventh Grader Lost After Pennsylvania School Rafting Trip Turns Tragic

Clear Facts

• Twelve-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay drowned after his raft capsized on the Lehigh River during a school trip Wednesday afternoon
• Guncay was one of five students aboard the inflatable raft when all occupants were ejected into the water
• The Carbon County Coroner’s Office ruled the death an accidental drowning; the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission continues to investigate

A school rafting trip in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains ended in tragedy Wednesday when a 12-year-old boy drowned after his raft capsized on the Lehigh River. The victim has been identified as Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a student from the Sag Harbor Union Free School District.

Guncay was among 75 students participating in the district’s annual rafting excursion. He was one of five students aboard an inflatable raft when it overturned, ejecting all occupants into the water.

According to the Carbon County Coroner’s Office, the incident occurred near the D&L Trail at mile marker 99 during a guided rafting trip Wednesday afternoon. While four students resurfaced, Guncay did not, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation.

The boy was later recovered from the river and pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m. The coroner’s office ruled the death an accidental drowning.

Authorities have not yet released information regarding river conditions at the time of the incident, what safety equipment was provided, or the specific circumstances that led to the raft capsizing. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said the incident remains under active investigation.

Superintendent Jeff Nichols addressed the tragedy in a statement to parents.

“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.”

Nichols announced that school counselors would be made available to support students and staff processing the loss.

“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.”

The incident raises questions about safety protocols for school-sponsored outdoor activities, particularly those involving water. As the investigation continues, parents and community members will likely seek answers about what safeguards were in place and whether additional measures could have prevented this heartbreaking outcome.

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