12-Year-Old Cesar Albarracin Guncay Drowns After 5 Are Thrown From Capsized Raft

13 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 28

Forensic pathologists ruled 12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay’s death a drowning after his raft overturned during a Pierson Middle School trip on Pennsylvania’s Lehigh River.
Five people were thrown into the water when the raft capsized near the river’s 99-mile marker in East Penn Township; Cesar, who was in a raft separate from a larger guided group, did not resurface.
The Lehighton Fire Department dive team recovered his body, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said life jackets were being worn but will still review all safety equipment as part of its investigation.
Superintendent Jeff Nichols called Cesar a cherished member of the school community, while the rafting company said its team was heartbroken and the school made counselors available for students and staff.

After a school rafting trip turned fatal, who is ultimately held responsible?

Could stricter safety rules for school field trips have prevented this drowning?

Will this river tragedy lead to a nationwide reassessment of student adventure trips?