West Sacramento high school student from Afghanistan drowns in American River
Omar Sofizada was described as a "very kind and hardworking student" at River City High School.
Omar Sofizada was described as a "very kind and hardworking student" at River City High School.
Omar Sofizada was described as a "very kind and hardworking student" at River City High School.
A recent immigrant from Afghanistan who was set to graduate soon from high school in West Sacramento drowned in the American River over the weekend, the Washington Unified School District said.
The district identified Omar Sofizada on Monday as a "very kind and hardworking student" at River City High School.
"We cannot begin to express the sadness our community is experiencing as we learned of the tragic drowning death of Omar Sofizada over the weekend," the district said. "Our sincerest thoughts and condolences are with the Sofizada family and the classmates, friends, and families connected to Omar Sofizada."
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On Saturday, authorities said that a person had been taken to the hospital in critical condition after being rescued from the American River. Crews started searching for the person around 5 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Ancil Hoffman Park in Carmichael, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District said.
Sofizada had recently immigrated to the United States with his family and was due to graduate high school in a few weeks, Washington Unified said.
"He was a very kind and hardworking student, dedicated to his studies and always making sure to be mindful of his classmates," the district said. "His presence is undoubtedly going to be missed throughout our entire school community."
The district said it would make support services and grief counseling available this week for students, teachers and staff.
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