UMass Student Drowns In Deerfield River
DEERFIELD, Mass. (AP/CBS) — Crews have recovered the body of a Nigerian student who police say drowned in a Massachusetts river.
Police say the man drowned in the Deerfield River near Stillwater Bridge on Sunday evening. UMass Lowell has identified the victim as Oluwatoni Onikeku of Fitchburg.
The victim and a friend were trying to swim across the river to a rope swing when the victim slipped beneath the surface.
Deerfield Police Chief John Paciorek Jr. says the victim's friend tried to help him when he began having trouble in the water. But the friend lost hold of him and he went under water.
Rescuers then responded to the scene and recovered the victim.
Onikeku, a native of Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, is described as a well liked teammate, outstanding athlete and a strong student.
"The university community is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Oluwatoni Onikeku," the university said in a statement Monday. "Our thoughts are with his family and friends, to whom we offer our heartfelt sympathy. We have reached out to his teammates to offer counseling and support."
Deerfield Police and State Police detectives with the Northwestern District Attorney's Office are investigating the incident.
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