Friends Mourn Loss Of Classmate Who Drowned In Cutler Bay Lake

MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Classmates of a Coral Gables Senior High student who drowned in a Cutler Bay lake over the weekend held a moment of silence Monday in memory of their friend.

On Twitter, friends of 15-year old Armani English tweeted out that they would wear black and meet at the auditorium during first period to remember him.

Some said they found out about the tragic incident late Sunday online while others didn't hear about what happened until they got to school Monday morning.

"I heard about it last night on Twitter," said Andrea Gomez.

"I was shocked because I just didn't expect things like that to happen, especially to someone so young," said Ashaunna Booker.

Sunday afternoon English and a group of friends were hanging out at the lake near SW 205th Street and SW 80th Court when they decided to swim across.

At first, friends said, English was reluctant.

"After we jumped in, he said he's not going to go cause he's tired. We said alright and as soon as I hit the other side, I heard a call for help and we just couldn't find him," said Travis Murray.

After his friend disappeared, Murray said he dove under the water trying to find him but the water was dark, and murky, and he couldnt see anything. So he did the only thing he could.

"I just screamed for help and yelled call 911. The girl called and they just came," said Murray.

Divers pulled English from the water, but he didn't survive.

Dozens of distraught teenagers gathered around the lake Sunday when they heard what had happened.

"He was like a brother to me and all of us. I still can't believe the fact that's he's gone," said Danny Morales.

The son of a Miami Police officer, Armani's athletic ability and respectful attitude made him a favorite among teens and adults.

"He was an amazing ball player," said Morales. "He was funny, athletic, always encouraging, you can do better, you can do better. He was a great friend."

The school made sure to have counselors on hand when the students returned to class in case any of them wanted to talk about what had happened.