ORLANDO, Fla. — On Saturday morning, rowers throughout Central Florida joined in a vigil for the young boater who lost their life this week.
What You Need To Know
- According to authorities, five middle-school-aged children were boating when lightning struck
- Three students were evaluated and reunited with their family, one was hospitalized and a fifth remained missing Thursday evening
- On Friday, the body of the missing child was located in the water
- Officials at UCF RESTORES say free therapy is being offered to anyone affected by the young boater's death
Those gathered in a circle next to Lake Fairview on Saturday were familiar with the waters behind them. Their paddles have grazed the shores many times before, and they all know how unpredictable Mother Nature can be.
"When we're out on there and we see inclement weather — you just never know," said Beth Schumacher, a spokeswoman for Warriors on Water.
Schumacher has hit the water more times than you could count, but it wasn't just her ties to rowing that pulled on her heartstrings.
"I'm a mother, and I'm a grandmother of two middle school kids," she said. "And the idea that you just don't know what life holds... is really heart wrenching."
Attendees began to march down the dock with flowers in hand, later throwing them into the calm waters of Lake Fairview.
"You're going to hold your kids a little tighter, you're going to stay a little closer to your team members," said Schumacher.
As for the student who was sent to the hospital, our last update came from their principal, who said they were in critical condition. Spectrum News is waiting to hear back on an updated condition.
In response to what happened at Lake Fairview, officials at UCF RESTORES say free therapy is being offered to anyone affected by the young boater's death.