EAST BRUNSWICK–Superintendent Victor Valeski issued a statement regarding the recent untimely death of a 13-year-old teenager, who drowned at a pond on Civic Center Drive.
“In response to our recent tragedy, the Counseling Department, Student Assistance Counselors, Child Study Team members and Administrators were mobilized to assist students, staff and families,” Valeski said in a prepared statement. “As we process this profound loss, we will continue to assess the impact on members of the school community and will provide ongoing support as needed. Should your child have specific needs, please contact the School Counselor or one of our building Administrators.”
Valeski said, “If you feel that your child is having difficulty, we encourage you to discuss his/her thoughts and feelings.”
On Jan. 22, patrol units responded to a pond located on Civic Center Drive for the report of juveniles that fell through the ice around 4:55 p.m., according to information provided by the East Brunswick Police Department.
Two male juveniles had self-rescued themselves off of the ice, but one juvenile remained in the water, according to police.
All East Brunswick Fire Districts were dispatched and were able to recover the 13-year-old victim from the pond. Paramedics and emergency medical personnel transported him to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick in critical condition.
As of 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 22, Yousef Khela was pronounced deceased at the hospital.
“Most importantly, our thoughts continue to be with the immediate and extended family and friends of this young man,” Valeski said.
For more information about additional grief resources visit www.ebnet.org.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
