Teenage Drowning Victim Identified
Michael Sawyer, 16, drowned Saturday afternoon in Havre de Grace
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Havre de Grace police officials have confirmed the identity of the teenager who drowned in the Susquehanna River Saturday afternoon.
Michael Jerome Sawyer, 16, of the 300 block of Seattle Slew Place, was swimming with friends off a pier near Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park in Havre de Grace Saturday afternoon when he went under and didn’t resurface. Police said he was approximately 20 yards from shore in water nine feet deep. Michael and several other friends attempted to swim back to shore, but Michael began to struggle and could not make it back to shore. At least two friends attempted to save him, according to witnesses.
The incident is still under investigation. There doesn't appear to be any suspicious activity, and drugs and alcohol were not a factor. Toxicology reports from The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner are pending.
"This incident is a horrible tragedy," Havre de Grace police spokesman PFC Jeff Gilpin said. "The Havre de Grace Police Department extends their thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of this young man."
The family has asked for privacy.
Michael was a junior at Havre de Grace High School and a member of the state runner-up Warriors football team.
A vigil has been planned for Sunday night along the Susquehanna River, and classmates are planning to wear black shirts Tuesday when class resumes following the Memorial Day holiday.
According to parents of his classmates, Sawyer was in his first year at Havre de Grace after transferring from a school in Texas. They said his family was in the military and lived in Bulle Rock.
Havre de Grace police, who are handling the investigation of the incident, officially released Michael’s identity Sunday afternoon after contacting the Sawyer family.
The Susquehanna Hose Company dive team recovered the body before 5 p.m. Saturday. Responders on the scene said there were at least four other teenagers swimming in the river.
It’s the second drowning in as many days in Harford County and the second in Havre de Grace in eight days.
A teenager drowned in Deer Creek in northern Harford County Friday. An 81-year-old man drowned in Tidewater Marina May 20.
Incidents like Saturday’s aren’t uncommon in Havre de Grace.
The Susquehanna River has claimed the lives of Havre de Grace teenagers before.
Two Havre de Grace Middle School eighth graders drowned in the 1990s—Michael Pangburn, 14, drowned in the river in 1995, and Terence Triplett drowned in 1996.
esa
3:17 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
I love you Michael Jerome Sawyer. Rest In Peace.
Forever you will remain in my heart.
Austin woolley
3:37 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
I love you mikey. You were like a brother to me. I can't wait to see you at the crossroads . R.I.P.
Eve Foy
3:47 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
We are not wearing black. Michael wasn't the kind of kid to have on a black shirt.
Cameron
3:52 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
You wont ever be forgotten sawyer, you were an amazing friend and brother and you will always be in my heart. I love you and miss you and ill see you at the crossroads.
Annie
4:24 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
Wear tyedye on Tuesday! Michael would be the kind of guy in a rainbow of colors, not black.
Christina Como
5:13 pm on Sunday, May 29, 2011
I miss you Michael. You didn't deserve this. I wish you could see how much everyone loves you,maybe then you'd believe me. I miss you best friend,you'll never be forgotten &i'll see you soon. Your spirit is with me<3
-Tyedye on Tuesday-
Andrew Flores
2:29 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
R.I.P. Mike, I had much respect for you as did many people. You will be dearly missed.
Joann
10:58 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
We miss yuh mike yuh will never be forgotten I love yuh big brother
It won't be the same without yuh in school :'(
melissa
11:08 am on Monday, May 30, 2011
R.I.P. Michael
Kathleen O'Brien
2:55 pm on Monday, May 30, 2011
I am so sorry to hear this news of Michael Sullivan. Though I did not know him personally, my son is in school with him. I am originally from Michigan. Every middle school and high school has a pool - it's a REQUIREMENT. Gym class REQUIRES a swimming session. Everyone is REQUIRED to learn how to swim. Besides the enormous five Great Lakes, there are 11,000 inland freshwater lakes. Michigan is channeled with huge rivers and their tributaries. My boys when young, originally did not want to take swimming lessons here through Harford County Public Schools, every summer. My response was, "Tough rocks. Swimming is in the top five of your Life List. You are REQUIRED to learn how to swim well and strong. End of discussion." We live five blocks from the Bay. I told them they are NOT ALLOWED to swim in any natural water - not Deer Creek, not the Susquehanna River, and not the Chesapeake. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES. One of them was swimming in the Creek earlier this week - I was not quiet in my dismay. Nanny State my hat. People! - - Be responsible for raising kids whose parents expectations are high, proactive, intelligent and loving. FYI - HCPS summer swim classes were excellent, inexpensive and are offered around the county. Again, my heart goes out to Michael's family and friends. I am sending kindness to them in their time of sorrow. AS A COMMUNITY - LET US NOT HAVE THIS HAPPEN AGAIN! In memory of Michael, a young man... Kathleen M. O'Brien
Kaitlyn White
3:47 pm on Monday, May 30, 2011
Mike was one of my good friends. He always gave me the best hugs in the halls and always talked about us throwing little parties in the summer. Mike was truly a good friend to everyone, he always knew how to cheer you up or get you to talk to him if something was wrong, he was there to calm you down and make you laugh. Mike Sawyer will be never be forgotten. Love you Mike :(
XoXo Kaitlyn White
Kelly
7:39 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I remember driving down the road and seeing Sawer walking several miles to school for early morning practice.
I remember meeting Sawyer's parents who where kind, loving,concerned and realizing where sawyer acquired his good and honest nature.
I remember riding in the car and laughing about simple things and simple times.
I remember Sawyer flying down the sidewalk on a skateboard with a funny little backpack an admiring his energy and free-wheeling spirit.
I remember his friends faces flush with joy at the very sight of him. His joy was pure and infectious.
I remember weekend trips to the local Walmart to pick out something frivolous or humorous as a means to scoff at the seriousness of our harsh world.
I remember being angry with him at times because I cared for him dearly and I am now grateful that I never raised my tone with him.
But most of all I remember his infectious smile, caring nature, and purity. I am a better person for having known such a fine young man and grateful to have had the opportunity to catch a glimpse at the world through his eyes.
The world was a better place with him in it and we will miss him.
Gods Speed my friend.
Kelly ( San Antonio )
Danielle
8:34 am on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
R.I.P. Mike i love you & you where such a good friend, <3 r.i.p. michael, aka 'Big Mike' <33333333
nikki
11:38 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Rest In Peace Sawyer, your soul lives on forever. You my dear friend, will be missed by all. Love you!
melissa
8:01 pm on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
i knew his bro he was awesome
Anonymous
7:00 pm on Monday, March 5, 2012
kapia mera tha sinadithoume..na mas prosexis apo ekei psila, R.I.P aderfe