A Hilliard Davidson High School student-athlete drowned Tuesday night while swimming at a quarryon the city's northwest side.
Authorities recovered the body of Rico Butler, 17, from the quarry near Dublin and Trabue roadsshortly before 11 p.m., 10TV's Tino Ramos reported.
Butler was swimming with several friends when he disappeared beneath the water. One of theteenagers told 10TV News' Tanisha Mallett that Butler was playing in the water and joked that hewas about to drown. Then, she said, he disappeared.
Butler's friends searched the quarry and eventually called for help. His bodywas found a few hours later, Ramos reported.
Butler was a running back on last year's Hilliard Davidson football team that captured aDivision I state championship.
He accounted for the Wildcats' first score in the title game against Glenville.
"He was always a hard worker," said friend Cody Evans. "If he wanted to do something, hedid. No ifs, ands or buts."
Hilliard Davidson seniors turned a tradition into a tribute to Butler on Wednesday, Ramosreported.
Seniors take part in a yearend tradition of riding bikes to school, but this year many decoratedtheir bikes in school colors and Butler's jersey number, No. 5.
"We decided to all go in and make blue and white our theme so, just a little respect to him,"said Butler's friend Jessica Baran.
Butler's fellow classmates are trying to cope with his loss.
"This is just awful," said Butler's friend Bailey Ross. "He's one of those kids that everybodyin school knows."
"I have no doubt that we're going to do everything we can to help his family and be there insupport and respect him as much as possible," said friend Heather Coonfare.
The district issued a release that states, "We are deeply saddened by this loss and extend ourheartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Rico. Rico was an outstanding young man withunlimited potential in his future, both on and off the football field. He was well like amongthe students and staff of Davidson and will be greatly missed."
Counselors have been brought in to help students and staff deal with this loss.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for additional information.
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May 25, 2010: High School Football Player Drowns In Quarry
