A 2016 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate and Northwestern University freshman drowned Monday after falling into an Illinois river while practicing with his rowing team.
Mohammed Ramzan, 19, of Auburn, fell from a nine-person shell into the North Shore Channel in Lincolnwood, Illinois, Monday morning. Authorities recovered his body and notified the university Monday evening. According to the Daily Northwestern newspaper, two men, a coach and a team member, were taken to a hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries after they went into the water to try and rescue Ramzan.
According to authorities, Ramzan fell in the water during morning practice that started around 7:30 a.m. Seven other rowers and a coxswain were not able to locate the freshman, and two people were taken to the hospital for evaluation after searching in the frigid water, according to Lincolnwood Deputy Fire Chief Ray White.
The search continued into the evening, when Ramzan’s body was discovered around 9:30 p.m.
According to the Daily Northwestern newspaper, in addition to the row club, Ramzan participated in the Freshman Urban Program and the Northwestern Quest Scholars Network.
Ramzan, who grew up in Auburn, received a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern, in Evanston, Illinois, according to everipedia.com/mohammed-ramzan, a memorial page established for the teen.
A gofundme page has been established to raise money for Ramzan’s funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will be donated in Ramzan’s name to a charity important to him.
Ramzan was a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Competition in 2016 after placing in the top 1 percent of all students who took the PSATs nationwide the previous fall, according to a Federal Way Public Schools announcement from 2016. Schools counselors were on hand Tuesday to provide services for grieving students and staff.
“We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies to Mohammed’s family and friends for this tragic loss,” said Patricia Telles-Irvin, Northwestern vice president for student affairs. “The loss affects us all, and we urge all members of our community to reach out and support one another.”
