Township of Washington, NJ — A Bergen County community gathered on Sunday to remember 18-year-old Clinton Ajit after police Recovered the body of a high school senior in New Milford Pond.
CBS2’s Elijah Westbrook reports that Ajit’s wake time was set at 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Mar Thoma Church in Washington Township.
Witnesses said Ajit had gone to the pond on Friday to get a soccer ball and drowned after suddenly going under water.
“He was a passionate kid. He had his whole life ahead of him,” said Aram Bavokian, a senior at New Milford High School.
Police said that Ajit went into the cold water of Hard Castle Pond at around 7 pm.
“The water went up to his waist. Then it went up to his throat. Then his whole, whole body was in the water,” said 10-year-old Sam Rueda, who witnessed the tragedy with his family.
Sam’s father gave CBS2 permission to interview his son.
“When he put his hand down, that was the last time we saw him. Then his friends started panicking,” Sam said.
That’s when witnesses called 911.
“Next thing you know, they were putting the boat in the water. They were throwing the boat and the other boat in. People were following suit,” said neighbor Steven Serenzio.
Ajit’s body was recovered about three hours later.
Friends said that he was a smart and kind child. Her classmates, like many others in town, were in disbelief.
Friends and strangers stopped by the pond on Saturday to leave flowers at a small, but growing monument.
“They are all in shock,” Bavoukian said. “Like, it was too early. You go, like, a few hours ago we all took classes with him.”
“I don’t know. I just want the family to know they’re in my prayers. I’ve been thinking about that poor mom all night last night and what she had to go through,” said neighbor Mary Lucas.
The school district said grief counselors will be available at New Milford High School on Monday.
Police are still investigating the incident of drowning of the teenager.
