GILMANTON, NH – Police say a boy died Friday afternoon in a boating accident while he was participating in a Boy Scout camping trip in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire State Police received 911 calls Friday around 2:15 pm at Manning Lake in Gilmanton.
First responders rushed to the lake, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The child has been identified as 11-year-old Keoni Hubbard from Troop 119 in Lexington.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news that one of our Scouts, Keoni Hubbard from Troop 119 Lexington, tragically died in a boating accident on Lake Manning in Glimanton, NH last Friday.” said the Spirit of Adventure Council in a statement.
Keoni’s family also released a statement that read, in part, “Our hearts are forever broken by the loss of our Keoni. Beloved by his family and friends, Keoni’s spirit and empathy for others resonates with everyone who loves and admires him. Keoni is simply. the best – a selfless kid who truly finds joy in the happiness of others. Our family appreciates the community’s support and respectfully asks that you respect our privacy as we mourn the unimaginable loss of our beloved Keoni.”
Lexington Superintendent of Schools Julie Hackett said in a letter to families that Keoni was a student at Clarke Middle School attending a summer camp. Many of his classmates witnessed the accident, Hackett said.
The district is working to make grief counselors available for students and staff.
“Our hearts go out to the victim’s family, as well as the Clarke school community and all those affected by this tragic event,” Hackett wrote to the families. “We are blessed to be a part of a loving, caring community, and we stand together in times of need. I know you will continue to be there for each other, and you will keep everyone affected by this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.”
The Boy Scouts of New Hampshire released a statement following Keoni’s death.
“We are saddened to confirm the death of a Scout yesterday following a tragic accident at Manning Lake in Gilmanton. We offer our deepest condolences to the Scout’s family and ask everyone to please join in keeping this young man alive. man and his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time,” the organization said.
