Balloon release held in memory of Newark teenager found dead in Erie Canal

NEWARK, NY (WROC) — The Wayne County Sheriff's Office and the Newark Police Department investigated a suspected drowning in the Erie Canal in the Village of Newark on Monday, June 24.
Police say a witness reported seeing a man enter the water from the top of a guardrail around 8 p.m.

The witness then tried to save the teenager, but was unable to locate him. An hour later, first responders located the teen in the water. He was pronounced dead.

Today, his classmates and others who knew him gathered to remember him.

“He always tried to be there for me and pushed me to do things. For example, if I was going to do something wrong, he would tell me not to do it and try to put me in a better mood no matter what. is coming,” Lillian said. Mumford.

“He was a happy child. You wouldn't really know what's happening to him. He always had a smile on his face,” Naomi Jones said.

Wilson Augustave's family was present and shared their appreciation for the community who came to show their support.

“It's really bad, it's so sad that he didn't realize and recognize all these people who cared about him. He was loved as we loved him. The community loved him. You can see the love here as far as I can see,” Wilson Augustave Sr. said.

Susan Hasenauer, superintendent of the Newark Central School District, released a statement saying:

“It is with great sadness that we must share the death of one of our students. Our most sincere sympathies go to the family and loved ones of our student. We ask that you keep our school community in your thoughts and prayers. Our school will be open during normal hours tomorrow. Counselors will be available to any student staff or community member who needs support.