South Jersey Teen, Drowning Victim Remembered As 'Marvelous Young Man'

PITMAN, NJ — A South Jersey teen, who was found dead Monday after never emerging from a lake, wasn't just a standout wrestler. He was a remarkable person, according to those who knew Victor Rodriguez.

Rodriguez attended Deptford High School for three years and was a senior this year at Pitman High School. Following his death in Alcyon Lake, Rodriguez's loved ones started a GoFundMe to "give him the best funeral possible."

Support has surged, with the fundraising page reaching more than $45,000 as of late Tuesday morning.

• Read more: Missing Teen's Body Recovered From NJ Lake, Victim IDed

"For those of you who know Victor, he deserves only the best," the GoFundMe says. "In this hard time, we ask you to show him the same love he offered everyone else."

The 17-hour search for Rodriguez began Sunday night after he and a friend attempted to swim across the lake, Action News reported. According to family, he was participating in a scavenger hunt that went astray.

The Deptford Township Police Department expressed condolences on social media for Rodriguez's loved ones.

"From all accounts, Victor was a marvelous young man; a loving son, a stellar athlete, and a loyal friend," the agency wrote Monday. "We send our deepest condolences to Victor’s family as we grieve this unspeakable loss with them. We stand with the Rodriguez family. Hug your children a bit tighter tonight."

Pitman High School canceled all exams for grades 9-12 on Monday and Tuesday and didn't require attendance. The school has remained open to students for emotional support and hosted an informational session for seniors on Monday afternoon. The exams will not be rescheduled.

All classes will resume Wednesday as regularly scheduled, with graduation set for 7 p.m., according to an Instagram post from Pitman High School.

View the GoFundMe for Victor Rodriguez.