The Lake Nona community is mourning the tragic loss of a Lake Nona High School student who died in a kayaking accident on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. The incident occurred at Lake Whippoorwill, located near the Cortland Nona Apartments off Narcoossee Road.

According to the Orlando Police Department, a group of six teenagers were kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake when one of them went underwater and did not resurface. Despite extensive search efforts, including the deployment of dive teams, drones, and helicopters, the teenager’s body was not immediately located. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office dive team recovered the body around 12:20 p.m. on Thursday, May 15 .

The victim’s identity has not been officially released by authorities. However, Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Maria Vazquez confirmed that the teenager was a student at Lake Nona High School. In a statement, Vazquez expressed her condolences, saying, “I am heartbroken by the loss of one of our Lake Nona High School students who tragically died off campus Wednesday evening. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.” She also noted that grief counselors would be available at the school to support students and staff .

This incident marks the second tragedy to impact Lake Nona High School in recent months. In February, another student, Anthony Sanchez, died following a street-racing crash on Narcoossee Road. The loss of two students in such a short period has deeply affected the school community .

As the community grieves, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the kayaking accident. No further details have been released at this time.

Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates of the student during this difficult time.