A SCHOOL trip turned to tragedy when a 12-year-old boy drowned after a rafting boat capsized during a class excursion.

Cesar Albarracin Guncay died after being thrown into the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania while on the annual trip with dozens of classmates.

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A 12-year-old boy drowned after a rafting boat capsized during a school excursionCredit: ABC
 

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Cesar Albarracin Guncay died after being thrown into the Lehigh River in PennsylvaniaCredit: ABC
The sixth-grader, from Sag Harbor, New York, was taking part in a guided rafting excursion in the Pocono Mountains on Wednesday when disaster struck.

Officials said a group of five people were travelling in an inflatable raft at around 5.30pm when it overturned.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said: “The raft capsized resulting in all occupants being ejected from the raft into the river, including one individual, age 12, who did not immediately resurface.

“Search and rescue operations were conducted and the missing individual was later recovered and confirmed deceased.”

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The other four occupants were safely pulled from the water.

Emergency crews launched a frantic search after Cesar vanished beneath the surface of the river.

Divers from the Lehighton Fire Department eventually recovered him from the water.

The Carbon County Coroner’s Office pronounced him dead at 6.50pm.

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An autopsy later confirmed his cause of death was drowning.

The tragedy happened during an annual class trip organized by the Sag Harbor School District.

According to reports, around 74 students were on the excursion, which had been scheduled to run from May 27 to May 28.

The students returned home overnight following the incident.

Officials said life jackets were being worn at the time the boat capsized.

Investigators are now reviewing the safety equipment used during the excursion as part of an ongoing probe.

In a statement, the Carbon County Coroner’s Office said: “Our hearts continue to break for Cesar, his family, his friends, and his classmates. This is such a tragic and heartbreaking event.

“Please keep everyone impacted by this unimaginable loss in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Steve and Hilary Bretzik, owners of Whitewater Rafting Adventures, which operated the trip, said: “Our entire team is heartbroken by what occurred, and our first concern is for the family and friends of our guest.”

They added they are cooperating with authorities investigating the incident.

The tight-knit Sag Harbor community has been left reeling by the loss.

Superintendent Jeff Nichols paid tribute to Cesar in a message to parents and staff.

He said: “There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss. Cesar was a cherished member of our school family, a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

“His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways and our lives.”

Grief counsellors have been made available for students and staff as the community mourns the young boy’s death.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said its investigation remains ongoing.

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The green inflatable rafting boat can be seen trapped in a fallen treeCredit: ABC
 

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Emergency crews recovered Cesar from the water after a search, and an autopsy confirmed accidental drowning as the cause of deathCredit: ABC