Bristol County 20-year-old who died in drowning remembered as exceptional young man who was becoming a Marine

A Bristol County man who had been identified as the deceased in a recent drowning involving a canoe is being remembered.

At just after 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Stoughton Police and Fire departments responded for a report of a boater in distress in the water at Ames Pond on Highland Street, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey, Stoughton Police Chief Donna McNamara and Stoughton Fire Chief Michael Carroll.

A search was conducted for the person with the help of mutual aid partners from surrounding towns and the Massachusetts State Police Dive Team. The MSP Dive Team located 20-year-old Anderson Teixeira Goncalves of Taunton about 1 ½ hours later.

He was taken to an area hospital by the Canton Fire Department where he was later pronounced deceased.

Goncalves was described by those who knew him as an exceptional young man who was respectful, driven, and filled with purpose, dreams, and potential. In May, he had completed all physical, medical, and moral requirements to become a Marine.

SSgt. Nathaniel Espinal Galvis, a U.S. Marine Corps Recruiter stationed at Recruiting Sub Station Brockton issued a touching tribute to Goncallves.

“Anderson was the kind of young man who reminded us why we do this job. He always had a smile on his face, greeted everyone with respect, and carried himself with a level of maturity beyond his years. He had a genuine passion for earning the title of United States Marine something that can’t be taught. It was simply part of who he was. It lived in his spirit.

“His dreams went far beyond himself. Anderson wanted to become a Marine so he could create a better future for his family. He often spoke about helping his mother obtain her green card, bringing her to America, and one day buying her a house. Everything he did was driven by love, purpose, and a desire to give back to those who sacrificed for him.

“He was the type of young man who motivated everyone around him. His fellow poolees looked up to him, his friends respected him, and even the recruiters found inspiration in his determination and positive attitude. Anderson was a natural born leader who led from the front, setting the example through his actions every day.

“While his journey was cut far too short, the impact he made on those around him will never be forgotten. His character, his ambition, and the way he treated others will continue to live on in the memories of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

“Anderson will always be remembered here at RSS Brockton. Rest easy, brother. You may be gone from our sight, but you will never be gone from our hearts. Semper Fidelis.”

The incident is under investigation by the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Norfolk District Attorney’s Office and Stoughton Police.