Police: Body of New Milford High School student Clinten Ajit pulled from pond
NEW MILFORD, N.J. -- An 18-year-old in Bergen County, New Jersey, apparently drowned in a pond Friday.
A day after tragedy struck, candles burned near the water's edge, a small tribute to a young life that ended too soon.
"He was a passionate kid. He had his whole life ahead of him. He was 18," said Aram Bavoukian, a senior at New Milford High School.
It was around 7 p.m. Friday when 18-year-old Clinten Ajit waded into the frigid water of Hard Castle Pond near Dorchester Lane in New Milford.
Witnesses say he went in to retrieve a soccer ball.
"The water went up to his waist, then it went up to his neck, then he had his whole, full body in the water," 10-year-old Sam Rueda told CBS2's Nick Caloway.
Sam was with his family, watching as the tragedy unfolded. Sam's father gave CBS2 permission to interview the boy.
"After he put his hands down, that was the last we ever saw of him. Then, his friends started to panic," Sam said.
That's when witnesses called 911.
People who live near the pond heard the sirens as rescuers showed up.
"Next thing you know, they were putting the boat in the water. They were dropping the boat in, then another boat. Guys were suiting up," neighbor Steven Cerenzio said.
Nearly three hours later, around 10 p.m., Ajit's body was recovered.
Ajit was a senior at New Milford High School. Friends say he was smart and kind, and his classmates are in disbelief.
"They're all in shock," Bavoukian said. "Like, it was so quick. You go from, like, we all had classes with him a couple hours before."
Friends of the victim, along with strangers, brought flowers to the pond Saturday to make a small but growing memorial.
"I don't know. I just want the family to know they're in my prayers. I was up all last night just thinking about that poor mom and what she had to go through," neighbor Mary Lukas said.
In a statement to CBS2, New Milford Mayor Michael Putrino said, "Our community is heartbroken and the Ajit family is in our thoughts and prayers. There are no words that can describe the pain that this family is going through right now."
Signs posted at the water's edge say swimming is prohibited.
Police are investigating what happened.