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Teenager drowns in pond in The Woodlands area
A tragic accident at a community park over in The Woodlands area. A teenager drowned Sunday night while trying to get a basketball out of a pond.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas - One family is grieving the loss of their family member after he drowned while trying to get a basketball out of a park pond.
19-year-old drowns in park pond
What we know:
19-year-old Ronnie Singleton III lost his life in a devastating drowning. Harris County Constables said they were called to Wendtwoods Park around 9 p.m. Sunday night.
Ronnie's mother said he was playing basketball with his little brother, friends and coworkers. A friend told first responders Ronnie had been missing in the pond for about 20 minutes after playing basketball at a court nearby.
Rescue teams rushed in and recovered his body.
Authorities say a basketball went into the water and when Ronnie tried to get it, he couldn’t swim and drowned.
Family is heartbroken over loss
What they're saying:
Ronnie's mom said the family is shattered, "He was the nucleus of our family. He kept us together, was very driven and passionate," said Rachelle Singleton, Ronnie’s mom.
Ronnie was the oldest of three boys, a former student at Klein High School. He was in the band and played basketball for Houston Knights and CME Elite.
"He loved basketball so much," said Singleton.
Ronnie also worked as an assistant manager at Shoe Palace and was one class away from becoming a realtor.
"He was dedicated to what he was doing, working five days, going to school two days a week. He was giving it his all, being a leader, and an example for my other boys," said Singleton.
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Community remembers Ronnie
Ronnie's former coach for Houston Knights said she is still in shock Ronnie is actually gone.
"I coached Ronnie from his freshman year to his junior year in high school. He played on my club team, Houston Knights, always a team player, always encouraging his teammates, always working hard. He had a bright smile," said Coach Nyesha Phillips, Houston Knights.
"The death of a recent Klein High graduate is a heartbreaking loss for the Klein High and Klein ISD community. We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend our sincerest condolences to the family during this difficult time. We are respecting the family’s privacy as they grieve this loss," said the Klein Independent School District.
The Source: FOX 26 Reporter Jillian Hartmann spoke with family and community members about the tragic accident.