Identity of Massachusetts 8th grader revealed after passing away after being found unresponsive in a pond
The identity of a Massachusetts eighth-grade student who died weeks after being pulled from a pond has been publicly revealed, bringing renewed grief to his family, friends, classmates, and the broader community. The tragic incident involved 14-year-old Cody Nguyen, a student at Doherty Middle School in Andover, Massachusetts, who suffered a medical emergency after being found submerged in a pond in May before ultimately passing away on June 19.
School officials confirmed Nguyen’s death in a message to the school community. Rebecca Perry, principal of Doherty Middle School, and Keith Taverna, interim superintendent of Andover Public Schools, announced that the eighth grader had passed away nearly a month after the incident that left him hospitalized.
School Community Mourns the Loss of Cody Nguyen
The announcement of Cody Nguyen’s death deeply affected the Andover school community. School administrators informed students, parents, and staff that the young teen had succumbed to complications stemming from the medical emergency he suffered at Field Pond.
Nguyen was remembered by those who knew him as a vibrant teenager whose personality and positive attitude made a lasting impression on classmates and friends. His death marked a heartbreaking conclusion to a weeks-long battle for survival after the pond incident.
The Emergency at Field Pond
The tragic sequence of events began on May 19, 2026, when emergency responders received a call regarding an unresponsive juvenile male who was submerged in Field Pond, located within Harold Parker State Forest near Farrwood Drive in Andover.
First Responders Race to the Scene
According to Andover Police Chief Patrick Keefe, police officers and firefighters responded to the emergency call at approximately 4:31 p.m. Upon arriving at the shoreline, first responders encountered several juvenile boys on the opposite side of the pond who were shouting and attempting to direct rescuers to the location where Nguyen had last been seen before disappearing beneath the water.
The situation required immediate action. Emergency personnel entered the pond using a paddleboard and personal flotation devices in an effort to reach the area as quickly as possible.
Rescue Efforts in the Water
Rescuers searched the area identified by the juveniles and ultimately located Nguyen approximately 25 feet from shore. Authorities reported that he was submerged in water estimated to be between 10 and 12 feet deep.
After locating him, first responders pulled the teenager from the water and placed him onto a paddleboard. Life-saving measures began immediately while he was still being transported back to shore.
Once on land, additional emergency personnel, including paramedics from Lawrence General Hospital, continued treatment efforts. Nguyen was then transported by ambulance to Lawrence General Hospital before being transferred by Boston MedFlight to a Boston-area hospital for advanced medical care.
Weeks of Medical Treatment
Following the rescue, Cody Nguyen remained hospitalized as medical professionals worked to save his life. The severity of the incident led to his transfer to a specialized Boston hospital, where he received continued treatment for several weeks.
Despite those efforts, school officials later confirmed that Nguyen passed away on June 19, approximately one month after the emergency at Field Pond.
Community Support During the Ordeal
Throughout the period between the incident and Nguyen’s death, members of the Andover community followed updates on his condition and hoped for his recovery. The eventual announcement of his passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from classmates, educators, neighbors, and community members.
Remembering Cody Nguyen
An obituary released following Nguyen’s death painted a picture of a teenager who embraced life with enthusiasm, confidence, and kindness. Friends and family described him as someone who enjoyed expressing himself through fashion and who carried a positive energy that influenced those around him.
Passion for Basketball
Basketball was one of Nguyen’s greatest passions. According to his obituary, he frequently spent time outdoors practicing shots and refining his skills on the court. The sport played a significant role in his life and reflected his competitive yet energetic personality.
Those who knew him remembered his dedication to improving his game and the excitement he brought whenever he stepped onto a basketball court.
Love of Gaming and Creativity
Outside of athletics, Nguyen enjoyed gaming on his personal computer. He spent countless hours immersed in virtual adventures and online experiences, another hobby that brought him joy and allowed him to connect with friends.
His obituary noted that he successfully balanced his athletic interests with creativity and a caring disposition, qualities that made him stand out among his peers.
A Lasting Legacy
Family members described Nguyen as patient, compassionate, and uplifting. His smile was frequently mentioned as one of his defining traits, capable of brightening the mood of those around him. His positive outlook and genuine kindness left a lasting impact on friends, teachers, and relatives.
Ongoing Reflection After a Tragic Loss
The death of Cody Nguyen serves as a devastating reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike. What began as an afternoon outing at Field Pond ended with a month-long medical struggle and ultimately the loss of a young life.
As the Andover community continues to mourn, many are choosing to remember Nguyen for the qualities that defined him: his love of basketball, his enthusiasm for gaming, his sense of style, and the kindness that touched so many people during his 14 years of life. His memory remains an important part of the Doherty Middle School community and the town of Andover.
