Outpouring after Lawrence teen dies in Olathe pool: ‘So many lives he touched’
Friends have organized a GoFundMe for the family of a 17-year-old Lawrence High School student who unexpectedly died last week at a neighborhood pool in Olathe.
The GoFundMe asks for donations to fund Isaiah Ferguson’s celebration of life service on June 21. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser has raised almost $8,000 of its $12,000 goal. The fundraiser’s original goal was $8,000.
The GoFundMe was created by Joshua Lavin, who wrote he was a good friend of Ferguson’s. Lavin described Ferguson as “the most energetic, ambitious, and cheerful kid.” He wrote that Ferguson would do anything to make anyone laugh or smile.
Lavin wrote he is hoping to “raise enough money to allow for his family to only worry about mourning and celebrating his life.”
The Olathe Police Department is currently investigating Ferguson’s death.
Amanda Pino, Ferguson’s mother, told the Star they believe a sudden medical event and subsequent drowning caused his death.
Sgt. John Moncayo, a spokesperson for Olathe police, said Ferguson was found unconscious at the pool and could not be resuscitated by first responders.
Pino said Ferguson’s death was not suicide but likely an unknown health issue. She said she wants the focus to be on her “amazing, gentle-giant, heart of pure gold son,” rather than on his death.
“I’ve been blown away at the so many lives of others he touched from so many different walks of life during his short time on earth,” Pino wrote in a text message to The Star.
Ferguson was involved with the Lawrence High School Marching Lions, where he played the mellophone. The band’s Facebook page posted that Ferguson “was a beloved member of the band community and will be greatly missed in the upcoming season and beyond.” Members of the band hosted a remembrance service for Ferguson Tuesday morning.
Ferguson also participated in the javelin throw in high school track and field. His obituary said he had a strong sense of community service and volunteered at local events.
