Authorities reported that a young man identified as Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a sixth-grade student at the Sag Harbor Union Free School District, died Wednesday night during a rafting activity in Pennsylvania.

The incident occurred on the Lehigh River in East Penn Township, according to the Carbon County Coroner's Office.

County Coroner Jason Smith said authorities responded to a report of a drowning around 6:12 p.m.

Rescue teams recovered the minor from the water

Prior to the arrival of the coroner's office, the child had been pulled from the water by members of the Lehighton Fire Department's dive team.

Authorities confirmed that the child was pronounced dead at 6:50 p.m.

Smith described the incident as a “tragic loss.”

An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday to officially determine the cause and manner of death.

School Superintendent Jeff Nichols shared the news with parents and representatives in a letter sent Wednesday.

“There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss,” Nichols wrote.

The official described Cesar as “a beloved member of the school community” and assured that his absence will leave an irreparable void between students, teachers and campus workers.

The investigation continues

The case remains under investigation by the Carbon County Coroner's Office and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

So far, authorities have not released additional details about the specific circumstances of the accident that occurred during the annual school field trip to the Poconos.