AISD student dies following ‘8th grade celebration,' letter says
AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin Independent School District student is dead following an eighth grade celebration that happened on Wednesday, Covington Middle School Principal Cedric Maddox said in a letter to the campus community Thursday.
The campus identified the student as Vadir Gonzalez-Arias, and the letter said he 'passed away [Thursday] morning due to complications related to the incident at the 8th-grade celebration.'
On Wednesday, the Austin Fire Department told KXAN in a statement it responded to a medical emergency at the pool at Dick Nichols Park. The agency said Austin Parks and Recreation Department lifeguards performed initial life-saving measures.
Austin-Travis County EMS medics said they transported the child to the hospital on Wednesday.
'Vadir was kind, caring, and approached each day with a positive attitude and a willingness to do what was asked of him. He treated his peers and teachers with genuine respect and made those around him feel seen and appreciated,' the letter said Thursday.
The letter went on to say the school will be open as a counseling center on Friday. Students can come in any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Both English and Spanish speaking counselors will be at the campus to 'support students individually or in small groups.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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