The 16-year-old Legend High School sophomore who died after falling through an icy pond on Thursday was identified by his principal as Patric Lantz.
Lantz was with two other Legend sophomores when all three fell through the ice of a retaining pond near Tallman Drive and Hilltop Road in Parker on Thursday.
Lantz was submerged in the water for 35 minutes before firefighters could reach him and pull him out.
“It is with incredible sadness that I share the news that Patric Lantz has passed away. Max Gantnier was airlifted and remains in the hospital, and Cole Robinson has been released from the hospital and is at home with his family,” Legend High School Principal Jason Jacob said in an email to parents and students.
Fire crews extended a tree branch for one boy to grab ahold of once they arrived on scene. The third boy pulled himself to safety.
Gantnier was taken to Parker Adventist and eventually airlifted to Children's Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
Parker police don't know why the teens were on the ice.
Jacob said that the Legend High School community has been shaken by the incident.
"Every kid in this building is one of my own," says Legend High school principal Jason Jacob. pic.twitter.com/NRF8JjpX1r
— Chris Morriss (@Chris7NEWS) January 15, 2016
"I have been in touch with all three families to let them know that the entire Legend community is here to support them. I am also humbled by the outpouring of support shown by all of those who live in Parker and all of Douglas County," Jacob wrote.
Chaparral students show their support for Legend HS with this banner. #OneTownOneFamily pic.twitter.com/ozAdiPFnGG
— Chris Morriss (@Chris7NEWS) January 15, 2016
"Legend is here for all of our students, staff and families," Jacob said. "I often talk about how Legend is a family. This is evident every day in our hallways and classrooms. This is especially true on a day like today. Please take care of one another and know that all of us at Legend are here to support you."
Jacob also said Lantz was involved in the school's DECA program, which trains entrepreneurs.
“I think as a principal you want them to get through their four years and you want them to be successful human beings and citizens,” he said, “and when that opportunity doesn’t happen it breaks my heart."
A few of the teen’s friends left flowers and other mementos near the fenced off pond on Friday.
"It’s such a sad thing to have to happen to really three innocent very nice boys,” said one of the teen’s school colleagues.
Another, who said she grew up with Lantz said the entire community, even students at their rival high school, have offered their support. “He was such a beautiful person always laughing so amazing,” she said.
Jacob said the Douglas County School District Crisis Team is available to support students, staff and parents at both Legend High School and Iron Horse Elementary School until 3 p.m. Friday and during the school day on Tuesday. There is no school on Monday due to the observance of the Martin Luther King holiday.
If you need support over the long weekend, you can call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 (TALK) or visit coloradocrisisservices.org.
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