Friends and classmates of a Gainesville teen who drowned Friday in Lake Lanier are helping the boy's family raise money for a funeral.
Cristofer Acosta-Farias drowned Friday afternoon as he was swimming from a dock to the shoreline at Balus Creek Park. His body was discovered around 5 p.m. - about an hour after he went under - and was recovered from about 27 feet of water, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
A GoFundMe page says Acosta-Farias was a junior at West Hall High School. Organizers are hoping to raise $10,000 for the teen's family. At publication time, donors had contributed just over $5,600.
The West Hall High School Band Facebook page posted photos of the teen, telling fellow band members of the tragedy. The social media post described Acosta-Farias as "an absolute light."
The 17-year-old played baritone for the Band of Silver.
"He was sweet, vulnerable, kind, and strong. He had a tremendous work ethic and loved to have fun with his band family," the post said.
In addition to making a financial contribution to the family, band members and friends have also been invited to a candlelight vigil Sunday, July 26 at 8:30 p.m. at Balus Creek Park.
