Release of balloons in honor of the Newark kid discovered dead in the Erie Canal

Newark, New York – On June 24, in the hamlet of Newark, there was a possible drowning that was looked into by the Wayne County Sheriff’s office and the Newark Police Department.

About eight o’clock at night, according to the police, a witness saw a man jump into the lake from the top of a railing.

The witness then made an effort to find the teen and save him, but was unsuccessful. First responders found the teen in the water an hour later. It was declared that he was deceased.

Today, his classmates and other acquaintances came together to pay tribute to him.

“He would always try to be there for me and talk me up to do things like if I were to do something bad he’d tell me not to do it and try to make me in a better mood no matter what,” said Lillian Mumford.

“He was a happy kid. You wouldn’t really know what’s going on with him. He always had a smile on his face,” said Naomi Jones.

The family of Wilson Augustave was present and expressed gratitude to the community for coming out to support him.

“It’s really bad, it’s too sad that he didn’t realize and recognize all these people who cared about him. He was loved as we loved him. The community loved him. You can see the love out here as far as I can see,” said Wilson Augustave Sr.

Superintendent of the Newark Central School District Susan Hasenauer issued the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that we have to share the passing of one of our students. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family and loved ones of our student. We ask that you hold our school community in your thoughts and prayers. Our school will be open regular hours tomorrow. Counselors will be available for any student staff or community member that needs support.”