Categories: School News

Tragedy Strikes in Simpsonville: Missing Third Grader Found in Pond

Tragedy Strikes in Simpsonville: Missing Third Grader Found in Pond

SIMSPONVILLE — A heartbreaking incident occurred on September 12, 2024, when an 8-year-old boy, Lionel Ramirez Cervantes, was found dead in a pond near Bell’s Crossing Elementary School. Lionel had run away from the school earlier that day, prompting a widespread search by local authorities and community members.

According to reports, Lionel was with two classmates and three staff members when he suddenly bolted from the classroom around 11 a.m. During a press conference, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis mentioned that multiple staff members chased after him but lost sight of him as he crossed a fence and entered a grassy field behind the school.

After being alerted, local law enforcement and school security teams quickly began searching the area. The search included personnel from several agencies, including the FBI and local police departments. Sadly, around 3 p.m., a dive team discovered Lionel’s body in a pond off Lennox Lake Drive, just a short distance from the school.

Deputies noted that incidents like this are not uncommon, particularly for children on the autism spectrum. Research shows that children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown compared to their peers. “There’s a lot of broken hearts in the school and this community today,” Sheriff Lewis said, expressing the deep sorrow felt by many.

Greenville County Schools Board Chairwoman Carolyn Styles echoed these sentiments, stating she was heartbroken over the loss of the young boy. School officials have arranged for counselors to assist students and staff in coping with this tragedy. Principal Christopher Ross emphasized that the school community is devastated by this incident and has requested no visitors or volunteers on the following day as they focus on supporting their students.

Superintendent Burke Royster noted that an investigation would take place to understand what happened and how the situation could have been prevented. Safety is the top priority for the district, and staff receive extensive training on managing student behaviors, particularly for those who may elope from safe environments.

The incident has left the community in mourning, reminding everyone of the vulnerabilities and challenges many children face. “It’s a tragic day, and we are all feeling the weight of this loss,” said Sheriff Lewis.


Author: HERE Greenville

HERE Greenville

Share
Published by
HERE Greenville

Recent Posts

Greenville-Anderson Real Estate Market Recognized as Top Hot Spot for 2025

News Summary The Greenville-Anderson real estate market has garnered national attention, being named one of…

2 hours ago

Weekend Thrills Await in Upstate South Carolina

News Summary Upstate South Carolina is set for an action-packed weekend filled with concerts, sports,…

2 hours ago

Art Exhibit ‘Nature Deconstructed’ Opens in Greenville

News Summary Spoonbill Gallery in Greenville is set to unveil a new exhibit titled 'Nature…

2 hours ago

Supreme Court to Hear Case on South Carolina’s Medicaid Funding Cuts to Planned Parenthood

Supreme Court to Review South Carolina's Medicaid Funding for Planned Parenthood Washington – The Supreme…

15 hours ago

Appalachian State Aims to Overcome Road Struggles Against Dominant Charleston Cougars

Charleston, South Carolina – A Clash of College Basketball Teams In a thrilling college basketball…

17 hours ago