Money being raised so Clinton drowning victim's mom can say goodbye

CLINTON, Mass. — The father of the teenager who drowned in Clinton is trying to raise enough money to send his son’s body to the Dominican Republic so his mother can say a final goodbye.

First responders were called to South Meadow Pond just before 5 p.m. Tuesday for an unresponsive man in the water near Blueberry Island. He was later pronounced dead.

Family members said 15-year-old Rafael Perez, a freshman at Clinton High School, was riding his bike with a couple of friends when he decided he wanted to go for a swim.

Perez was raised by his father and his step-mother. His mother lives in the Dominican Republic. His father created a GoFundMe page to help raised enough money to send Perez's body back to the Dominican Republic so his mother can see her son's body once last time.

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Clinton Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steven Meyer released the following statement on Tuesday:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Clinton High School Freshman Rafael Perez. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Clinton High School is open this evening for students, staff, and community members who wish to come together to grieve this tragic event. Clinton High School will have additional guidance staff available on Wednesday morning to support the Clinton High School students and staff.”

Clinton Police and state police detectives assigned to the Worcester County District Attorney's Office are investigating the drowning.

Cox Media Group