Clinton High School Freshman Dies In Apparent Drowning

BOSTON (CBS) – Counselors will be at Clinton High School on Wednesday after a freshman boy died in an apparent drowning.

Rafael Perez's body was pulled from South Meadow Pond on Tuesday after it was spotted in the area of Blueberry Island.

The Worcester County District Attorney is investigating.

Clinton Superintendent Steven Meyer released a statement on Perez's death.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Clinton High School Freshman Rafael Perez," Meyer said. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Clinton High School is open this evening for students, staff, and community members who wish to come together to grieve this tragic event. Clinton High School will have additional guidance staff available on Wednesday morning to support the Clinton High School students and staff."

Clinton Police said there were about 10 teenagers in the area at the time of the incident. When Perez went under the water, several others began looking for him.

They were able to pull Perez from the water and bring him to the Blueberry Island shore. The teenagers performed CPR on Perez until emergency crews arrived.