18-year-old Massachusetts teen dies from drowning, remembered for contagious smile

An 18-year-old Massachusetts teen is being remembered after a drowning over the long Labor Day weekend.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts State Police Detectives assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and Troopers from the State Police Crime Scene Services Section on Monday responded to Merrill’s Quarry in Westford to assist local police in the investigation into a drowning.

The investigation determined that shortly before 5:00 p.m., 18-year-old Chester D. Rodriguez of Methuen, and several friends were swimming in the quarry when he began struggling and went under water. He did not resurface.

Westford Police and Fire responded and began a search of the quarry for Rodriguez, as did the Lowell Fire Department Dive Team. The State Police Air Wing assisted in the search. The Lowell Fire Dive Team recovered the victim a short time later.

In a GoFundMe fundraiser, Rodriguez was being remembered for his contagious smile and friendship.

“He was not only a great friend, but he was also an amazing brother & a loving son. He was passionate about helping people and was starting a career in the financial industry as a Financial Educator. He was scheduled to take his state license exam this month.”

Procopio stated that there is no evidence of foul play and several signs indicating “private property” and “no trespassing” are posted at the quarry.