Teenager drowns in Squannacook River in Groton

A 17-year-old male drowned in the Squannacook River in Groton this afternoon, officials confirmed.

The Groton Police Department and Middlesex DA’s Office have started an open investigation but as of Wednesday night, have not identified the teen.

According to authorities, the drowning occurred around 3:19 p.m. in the Bertozzi Wildlife Management Area in Groton when a group of teenagers were jumping into the river using a rope swing. Police reported while the teenagers were trying to cross the river, one boy swam underwater. 

The male teenager did not resurface and was missing until the Groton Fire Department was able to find his body around 4:32 p.m. He was immediately brought to a hospital and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Officers said there was a strong current present when trying to recover the teenager and water levels were high. 

This is another drowning after a series of fatal drownings over the past few months, including a 19-year-old at Castle Island, a 17-year-old in Dedham, and an 11-year-old in Lowell. 

The Boston Globe reported there were 18 drownings total in Massachusetts in May: this was more than all of the past three Mays combined. In June, the state’s drownings passed two dozen.

Want to leave a comment?

Create an Account Or sign in to your account

To comment, please create a screen name in your profile

To comment, please verify your email address

Conversation

This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com