A Rochester teen was killed in a boating accident Thursday night in Schuyler County.

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office identifies the victim in the boating accident as Owen L. Thomas, age 17.  

The Sheriff’s Office says Thomas fell overboard just after 8 p.m. Thursday and was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people aboard the boat were transported to the hospital for treatment.

The Brighton Central School District posted the following statement to the Brighton CSD website, Superintendent Kevin McGowan says:

An active, accomplished student, a multi-sport athlete and just an all-around good soul, Owen touched so many during his school career from CRPS through BHS. We are incredibly saddened by this loss and express our heartfelt condolences to his family and all of those undoubtedly deeply affected by this tragedy.

Counseling will be available at the Brighton High School Counseling Center from Noon – 3 p.m. from Friday through Tuesday.

Waneta Lake resident Rita Shauger heard whistles blowing while she was sitting on her deck Thursday night, she sent her husband and a friend out to help immediately and they helped pull the boat back on the deck.

“People just started taking canoes and boats out and doing the best that they can do to help,” said Shauger.

The tragedy has shaken the small lake area as residents tell 18 News it’s normally a quiet spot to take boats out on the lake but Thursday night, the grounds were covered with law enforcement vehicles and ambulance trucks.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family and the boys who were with him, you know it affects everybody,” said Shauger.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. The Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the New York State Marine Services Bureau.