Local News

Kayron Costa was 18 when he died. The school's principal called him "a man of great character."

A recent graduate from Quincy High School drowned in a Milton pond over the weekend, according to authorities. 

Kayron Costa went missing while swimming at Houghton’s Pond in Milton Saturday night. State Police troopers were called to the pond just after 7 p.m. The agency’s Underwater Recovery Team and Marine Unit worked with personnel from local fire departments to search the pond, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey’s office. 

Costa was found Saturday night and taken to a hospital in the Boston area. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital, Morrissey’s office said in a statement Sunday evening. Costa was 18. 

State Police detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. 

Quincy High School Principal Keith Ford addressed Costa’s death in a social media post. Ford called Costa an “awesome” student who “gained the respect of his classmates and teachers by being a man of great character.”

Costa was a recipient of the school’s Recognition of Effort Award, Ford wrote. He recalled having lunch with Costa, who “expressed how much Quincy High meant to him and his family,” according to Ford. 

“My prayers go out to his family during this difficult time. Kayron thank you for allowing us to get to know you during your time at QHS. To everyone who knew Kayron, May his legacy live on. We ask for peace that passes all understanding. As a school community let us come together in unity to honor the life of Kayron Garcia Costa. May he rest in peace!” Ford wrote. 

Kathy Hubley, a member of the Quincy School Committee, also addressed Costa’s death in a social media post. Grief counselors and interpreters will be available to students at Quincy High School and Southwest Middle School Monday, she said. 

“I am very saddened by the news that this tragedy took the life of one of our recently graduated students, Kayron Garcia Costa. My heart goes out to his family, friends and teachers in this time of grief. My thoughts and prayers go out to them all as well as his entire graduating class,” Hubley wrote.