The Ellenville community is reeling from the sudden death of 14-year-old Charief Marquise Spratley, a junior at Ellenville Junior/Senior High School, who state police say drowned while swimming with friends.

Charief was swimming July 16, just days away from his birthday, around 7 p.m. at Split Rock in Wawarsing with friends and was recovered several hours later by rescue crews. Despite efforts from EMS to revive him, their efforts unfortunately failed.

Ellenville Superintendent Lisa Wiles addressed the school community in a formal letter, expressing the district’s deep sorrow and announcing immediate support for grieving students and staff.

A GoFundMe campaign started by Charief’s family has raised thousands of dollars since the teen's death. From the campaign page:

“My brother Charief…went swimming in a lake… My brother’s body drifted away… Ems tried to resuscitate him… Me and my family need help with everything that we face… medical bills, funeral arrangements, memorial and so much more.”

Ellenville school counselors are on hand at the Senior High School for those needing emotional support. Families can also reach out to the Student Support Office at 845-647‑0138 for further assistance.