Harvard Student Identified As Charles River Drowning Victim
CAMBRIDGE (CBS) – The Harvard University community is in mourning after a student drowned in the Charles River Friday night.
They gathered at dusk Saturday on the Charles at the Weeks footbridge at the scene of the tragedy.
Harvard Summer School students lit candles, struggling to cope with the sudden loss of 18-year-old Tyler Greene of George, who drowned after apparently leaping from the bridge.
"Tyler was a really good friend," said Victor Farias, a fellow student and friend of Greene's. "I knew him since day one of the Harvard Summer School. He made me laugh all the time, and it's really bad what happened here. I never imagined it would happen to a friend of mine."
Police say no foul play is suspected.
A student told WBZ jumping off the bridge is thought of as a tradition by some Harvard students. One man said he was there when it happened.
"I heard one of his friends say 'Don't do it' and then I heard when he jumped in the water and then I ran over and I was like 'Is he OK?' he said. "One of his friends said 'Don't worry about it. He can swim. But then I see him go under and I said 'No, this (doesn't) look right. Then I heard a girl screaming and I said 'Call 911.'"
Fellow student say Tyler was studying computer science and was a friend to many. Now, he is suddenly gone and the grief is overwhelming.
"It's a really hard time right now, but it's nice to see that people came here with the candles," It's the thought that counts but he will be really missed."
Funeral arrangements for Greene have not yet been determined.