Suwannee High senior drowns days before graduation

May 25, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla (WCTV) -- When asked if they heard about the passing of 19-year-old Trevon Hines, many of the people we spoke with in Live Oak had heard the news by Friday afternoon, but whether they knew him or not, they say the mood in the county has been somber.

"One minute he's going to graduate, the next minute he's gone. So I really feel for the family," said Shannon Croft.

In such a small community so many knew Trey's name. One man even says his son played football with him since they were just kids.

"It's put a mood over him for graduation. When he got that news the other day, it just kind of took a little bit out of him," said Edward Wilton.

Others say they know the family and can only imagine what they must be going through, knowing Trey was about to have one of the greatest days of his life.

"It's extremely tragic and sad. No one expects to lose their child the day before graduation and the beginning of his life," said Nicole Daley.

Parents of students from Suwannee High School say this tragedy hits home for them as they get ready to see their children walk across the stage soon.

"It's one of the first things you think about, what if that was my kid? Right there," said Wilton.

"They'll be tucked tight in my arms tonight as I'm saying prayers for her children because I couldn't imagine losing my babies," said Daley.

"Graduation ceremonies for the school are scheduled for 8 PM Saturday evening at Langford Stadium, just across town from the campus.

May 25, 2018

SUWANNEE COUNTY, Fla. (WCTV) -- A local teen has drowned just days before he was set to graduate from high school, the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office confirms.

Sheriff Sam St. John has identified the teen as 19-year-old Trevon Hines, a senior at Suwannee High School.

Sheriff St. John says Hines was at Telford Springs with his girlfriend, father and a couple of friends on Thursday evening. The group was swimming in the springs and went out to the Suwannee River. The sheriff says Hines was walking along the river bank in shallow water when he suddenly slipped and fell into deeper water.

The sheriff says Hines did not know how to swim. Hines' girlfriend tried to grab him but couldn't get to him before he disappeared under the water. A man fishing nearby jumped into the river to try to save Hines but could not find him in the murky water.

Crews later recovered Hines' body.

The sheriff says an autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Friday. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Thomas Funeral Home in Live Oak.

Hines was a football player and was set to graduate from Suwannee High on Saturday.

Suwannee County Superintendent Ted Roush said in a statement, "It is certainly a tragic moment in the time of Suwannee High School on the eve of graduation and for the family. Our thoughts and prayers at this sad moment. The school has provided counselors both from the district and from the faith-based community. Our Director of Student Services, Debbie Land coordinated response efforts this morning in an effort to meet the needs of students as they started the school day."