Family, friends, and members of the Bedford Heights community are mourning the heartbreaking and devastating loss of Eugene “EJ” Wilkerson, whose young life came to a tragic end following a drowning incident on Thursday afternoon in Aurora, Ohio,

According to officials, the tragic incident unfolded shortly after 4 p.m. when emergency crews were dispatched to the 300 block of Treat Road after receiving a 911 call reporting that a teenager was struggling in the waters of Quarry Lake. Upon arrival, first responders immediately began a desperate search operation as concerns grew over the missing teen.

The Aurora Fire Department, along with members of the Portage County Water Rescue Team, quickly entered the water and launched an extensive rescue effort in hopes of finding EJ alive. After more than two heartbreaking hours of searching, rescue divers located his body at approximately 6:15 p.m. Officials said he was found nearly 10 feet underwater and about 25 feet from the shoreline.

Despite every effort made by emergency crews, Eugene was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities confirmed the incident remains under investigation as officials continue working to determine what led to the heartbreaking tragedy.

The sudden loss of EJ has left family members, friends, classmates, and the entire community devastated. Known affectionately as “EJ,” he was a bright young soul whose life held so much promise, dreams, and endless possibilities ahead.

Though his life came to a tragic end far too soon, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him deeply.

Rest peacefully, Eugene “EJ” Wilkerson. Forever loved, forever remembered, and never forgotten.