A fundraising drive is underway and the community is rallying for the family of the 15-year-old Belfast Central School student who drowned in the Genesee River.
Richard Harvey Elliott IV, better known as Ricky, died June 20 when he went swimming with another youth in the Allegany County Town of Caneadea.
New York State Police said Elliott entered the water at about 8 p.m. but did not resurface in a strong current.
His body was recovered the following morning by a dive team. State Police said Elliott's death was an accident.
A GoFundMe drive, organized by Leigh Wray, had raised nearly $4,000 of a $10,000 goal as of Friday.
"In the face of tragedy, we must come together to support those in need," Wray said the fundraising appeal. "Let us ... come together to make a positive impact in the lives of this deserving family."
Elliott had just completed his freshman year at Belfast Central School, where he was a member of the school's high honor roll.
Belfast School Superintendent Dr. Wendy Butler called Elliott a "bright student and a tremendous artist and a phenomenal writer."
"Ricky was able to do anything he put his mind to, and he had a bright future ahead of him," Butler said. "Ricky was a leader among his friend group and could put a smile on people’s faces."
"The Belfast Central School community’s thoughts and prayers are with Ricky’s family as friends as they manage this unthinkable tragedy."
Friends and family described the teen as a "loving and caring" individual with a vibrant personality. He was known as a "jokester who brought joy and levity to those around him," his family said.
Among Elliott's survivors are his father, Richard H. Elliott III; his mother, Lisa Perry Elliott; and six siblings, Brianna, Joseph, Nevaeh, McKylie, Aiden and Payton.
According to an obituary published by the Olney-Foust Funeral Homes & Cremation, Elliott's hobbies included making TikTok and YouTube videos, playing basketball, riding bikes and spending time with his siblings. Funeral services were held Thursday.
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