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Lake Nokomis Drowning Victim Identified

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A 15-year-old boy who drowned Wednesday at Minneapolis' Lake Nokomis has been identified.

Minneapolis School District Superintendent Bernadeia Johnson identified the boy Thursday as Sha-kym Adams. He was a student at Minneapolis South High School and was on the football team.

"Our hearts are heavy with the tragic death of Sha-kym Adams on Wednesday. We are all profoundly saddened by the loss, and will keep the family in our hearts and prayers. Our hearts go out to his teammates and friends, as well as the staff at South High," Johnson said in a statement. "This is a close community, one that will rally together to support one another."

The Hennepin County Water Patrol began searching just after 10 a.m. after a swimmer was reported missing on the east side of the lake. Adams was with a group of seven friends at Lake Nokomis to cool off after a morning run. The boys heard Adams' call for help as he tried to swim out to a raft before disappearing under the water.

It's not clear how he ran into trouble, but he wasn't wearing a life jacket. There were no lifeguards on duty at the time. Lenny Sedlock, head coach of South High School's football team, says Adams was a good swimmer.

Carter Wendlandt was a friend of Adams for four years. He wants everyone to remember Adams' kindness.

"He'd never really hurt anybody. He was just kind of really quiet and really funny," Wendlandt said. "Now he's gone."

Johnson said Minneapolis Public Schools is providing support to students and staff. Families are encouraged to call South High School at (612) 668-4300 for assistance.

The South High Football Boosters have established a fund to support Sha-kym's family on GoFundMe.com. Donations can be made on Sha-kym's GoFundMe page.

There will be a vigil at 3 p.m. Thursday to remember Adams at the 50th Street Beach of Lake Nokomis.

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