Community Gathers to Remember West Haven Teen

Hundreds turned out to remember a West Haven teenager who drowned on Labor Day.

That huge group gathered Friday night at Bradley Point in West Haven. It's the same spot where 16 year old Alejandro Zitlalpopoca died on Monday.

Close friends found comfort in each other's arms as they remembered Alejandro or, Alex Z.

"He felt that his reason for living was for his daughter," said Noel Jimenez, a close friend.

He says Alejandro wanted to be a good son, someone who was respectful of his faith and an even better runner. Alex Z's goal for senior year was to beat the West Haven High School mile record.

"And I know he could've done it because whenever he wants to accomplish his goals he does it," Jimenez added.

Through song and prayer, students and family members tried to make sense of the tragic passing of Zitlalpopoca

"I've watched him grow up to be this great kid. He came in scared. Timid, shy. He didn't speak a word of English," said Dr. Wendy Charbonneau, the world language department chair at West Haven High School.

She taught him English after he came here from Mexico. She saw him last Friday when she spoke with him about his expectations for senior year including graduation.

"It was great to see that face and it's just really hard for us right now with his friends to know that that was the last time that I will have seen that smile," Dr. Charbonneau added.

It's a smile, toughness and dedication his track coaches admired.

"He's just someone you love. Great personality. Just someone you cared about," said Modestine Vaughn, the indoor track coach at West Haven High School

Another track coach, Ryan Knight, said "He's a little person but you couldn't beat him down in practice. He would always look up to you and say, do you have anything else for me."

Alejandro's death was ruled accidental. Investigators said he took on too much water when he was out for a day of swimming with his family on Labor Day.

"He really gave 100% to everything including fatherhood and so we're very sad to lose a member of our senior class," said Pamela Gardner, principal at West Haven High School.

It's a class that turned out Friday by the hundreds to honor Alex Z's legacy who had a smile you'd never forget

"It just had such hope and dreams for him and I'll carry that with me forever," Dr. Charbonneau said.

The school is raising money to cover his funeral costs as well as to help with expenses as it relates to his 7 month old daughter. A funeral service will be locally in West Haven at the St. Louis Church to honor him.
 

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