Sag Harbor Sixth-Grader Dies in Rafting Accident During Poconos Class Trip

A 12-year-old student from the Sag Harbor Union Free School District died Wednesday after a rafting accident during a school field trip to the Pocono Mountains, according to district officials and Pennsylvania authorities.

Superintendent Jeff Nichols identified the student Thursday as Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a sixth-grader at Sag Harbor School.

“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved sixth-grade student, Cesar Albarracin Guncay, following a rafting accident that occurred during the annual class trip to the Poconos,” Nichols said in a statement to families.

According to the Carbon County Coroner’s Office in Pennsylvania, emergency responders were called Wednesday evening to the Lehigh River near the D&L Trail in East Penn Township for a reported drowning.

A 12 year old Sag harbor student dies in school trip rafting accident in the Poconos

Accident Occurred During Group Whitewater Raft Excursion

Authorities said the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. during a group whitewater rafting excursion when a raft carrying students capsized. Multiple students were thrown into the water. All but one resurfaced, prompting a search and rescue operation.

Cesar was later found and pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Carbon County Coroner’s Office are investigating the accident. An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday to determine the cause and manner of death.

“There are no words to adequately express the depth of this loss,” Nichols said. “Cesar was a cherished member of our school family, a child who mattered deeply to all who had the privilege of knowing him. His absence will leave an irreplaceable space in our classrooms, our hallways and our lives.”

Nichols said grief counselors and school support staff will be available to students and families in the coming days.

“We recognize that this news will be painful and deeply unsettling for students, families, staff and the community,” he said. “Grief can feel overwhelming, especially for young people trying to make sense of something so heartbreaking.”

The superintendent also encouraged families to maintain open communication with children affected by the tragedy and to seek support if needed.

The annual class trip brought Sag Harbor students to the Poconos for outdoor activities, including rafting on the Lehigh River, a popular destination for whitewater excursions.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Sag Harbor community as classmates, teachers and families mourn the loss of one of their own

Angela LaGreca

Editor, Co-Founder/Publisher

Angela LaGreca, Editor-in-chief and co-Founder/Publisher of Spark Hamptons, is a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, producer, writer and comedian/host. Her TV credits include NBC’s “Today,” ABC’s “The View,” and, most recently, the primetime cable news program “Cuomo” on NewsNation. On the East End, she was the Creative Director at LTV, VP Features/Events/Photo Editor at Dan’s Papers, and has performed at Guild Hall, Bay Street Theater and the WHBPAC. Her publishing career began at Modern Photography, where she was managing editor. LaGreca lives in Manhattan and East Hampton and can be reached at angelatvmedia@gmail.com and angela@sparkhamptons.com .