Teen drowns in Welland river

18-year-old Gage Rockwell and his friend were swimming in the Welland river when Rockwell started to go under. It was the first time Rockwell ventured into these waters. Campers tried to help the teen as he struggled in the water, but couldn’t reach him.

Emergency crews searched the river for nearly 5 hours before his body was pulled from the water. The water is fairly shallow along the river bank, but drops more than 20 feet. Rockwell had taken swimming lessons, but his family believes strong currents pulled him down.

A Go Fund Me page has raised more than $7 000 in less than a day to help pay for the funeral and a candle light memorial is being planned Monday night at Chippawa park in Welland. Gage Rockwell is being remembered as a kid with a heart of gold.