In a tragedy that has deeply shaken the local community, 11-year-old Lexington resident Keoni Hubbard was killed in a boating accident at a summer camp in New Hampshire last week.
The incident occurred at Camp Bell, a Boy Scout camp in Gilmanton, NH, where Keoni was spending a week with fellow members of Lexington’s BSA Troop 119. Several scouts witnessed the event.
“Our hearts are forever broken by the loss of our Keoni,” his family wrote in a statement. “Beloved by his family and friends, Keoni’s spirit and empathy for others resonated with all who love and admire him. Keoni was simply the best – a selfless child who truly found joy in the happiness of others.”
“Keoni was a much-loved student and will always be remembered fondly for his kind and sweet personality,” wrote Dane Despres, the principal of Clarke Middle School, where Keoni had recently completed the 6th grade.
Few details have emerged about the incident, which is currently under investigation by New Hampshire State Police.
First responders were notified of a boating accident on Manning Lake in Gilmanton at around 2:15 on Friday, July 7, police said in a statement. Keoni was declared dead at the scene. A representative from the Daniel Webster Council of the Boy Scouts of America, which runs the camp, was unable to provide any further information or answer general questions about safety protocols at the camp.
The family has requested privacy as they process their unimaginable grief.
“While we are grieving and walking this undesired path with my brother and his family, I hope all affected will find a way to peace and healing,” Keoni’s aunt Anna Rohrbough told LexObserver. “I know how much Keoni loved the Scouts and how proud it made him to be a part of his troop. My family is so thankful to the Scouts for their support as well as the strangers and neighbors who helped house and host us. We are so very appreciative and grateful.”
Rohrbough and a family friend have set up a memorial fund on GoFundMe.
“Hold and hug your children, and tell them you love them,” Keoni’s parents wrote.
He looks and sounds like he was a great kid. How sad for his family and friends. I hope the camp investigates thoroughly so they can prevent anything like this from happening again.