The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Funeral services set for teens who drowned in Farmington River
PLAINVILLE — The deaths of the two boys whose bodies were recovered from the Farmington River this week have been classified as accidental drownings, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed.
The bodies of Lucas Brewer, 15, of Plainville, and Anthony Nagore, 17, who was visiting from out of state, were pulled from the river on Monday afternoon on the fifth day of search-and-recovery efforts.
Funeral services have been set for both teens — Brewer on Friday and Saturday, Nagore on Sunday.
The two were reported missing to police on July 15 after they went to a popular swimming spot along the Farmington River in Avon that afternoon but didn’t return home. On Monday afternoon, just a few hours before a planned candlelight vigil for the teens, authorities found their bodies near the Farmington and Burlington border.
A GoFundMe was briefly launched to help cover the funeral costs for Brewer and was closed once it exceeded the set goal, according to Holli Southall, who established the fundraiser on behalf of the teen’s family.
Brewer, born in Bristol on Jan. 23, 2006, was known as a lover of swimming, according to his obituary. He was excited to start his sophomore year at Plainville High School in the fall and was ready to hit the football field donning his No. 14 jersey.
The obituary said Brewer was “full of life and always on the go.” He played Pop Warner Football since elementary school and competed in travel basketball leagues. When he wasn’t playing team sports, he was riding dirt bikes, swimming or meeting up with friends at the park, according to his obituary.
“Lucas was full of kindness ... despite the ‘tough guy’ exterior that he tried to portray,” his obituary said, adding that his “infectious sense of humor and appropriately used sarcasm left those around him in constant laughter.”
Brewer was remembered as a much-loved son, brother and friend.
“He will be missed beyond words by the many heartbroken lives that he touched,” Brewer’s obituary said.
Brewer is survived by his parents, brothers and sisters, grandmothers, great-grandmother and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, his obituary said.
Family and friends can gather Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Plainville Funeral Home, 81 Broad St. A service of remembrance will be held for Brewer at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, followed by burial at Forestville Cemetery.
Nagore’s obituary said he was born in Tucson, Ariz., on May 14, 2004, and has called “many places home” throughout his life. He lived in Tucson and Bucklin, Kansas. He spent the last three summers in Plainville, his obituary said.
“Anthony had friends and family who loved him dearly in many states,” the obituary said.
He attended Immaculate Heart High School in Tucson, and was expected to return to Bucklin High School in Kansas this fall.
“Anthony loved greatly and all who knew him called Anthony a friend,” his obituary said. “Family and friends looked forward to seeing Anthony's smile and receiving an intense hug.”
Nagore’s obituary said he was adventurous and loved spending time outside, whether it was playing basketball, running or spending time with his siblings and many cousins.
“Anthony was a fun-loving, yet hard-working young man,” his obituary said. “Anthony could light up a room with his smile and was always respectful with a pure heart of gold. He will be missed immensely by all that crossed paths with him. His family and friends will hold dear to their hearts all the fond memories they have shared with Anthony over the years.”
Nagore is survived by his parents, three siblings, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and a large circle of extended family and friends, his obituary said.
“Anthony's family would like to express their gratitude to all family, friends, and strangers from near and far for all the support and thoughtful words they have been receiving during this extremely difficult time,” the obituary said.
Nagore’s family said they have set up a memorial fund to help pay for funeral expenses and to benefit all of the first responders, rescue teams and volunteers who worked in the recovery efforts.
“Their efforts will never go unnoticed or be forgotten,” Nagore’s family said in his obituary.
Donations to the fund can be made through Venmo — Anthony Nagore Recovery Memorial Fund — or can be mailed to the Plainville Funeral Home at 81 Broad St.
Nagore’s family will hold a rosary prayer service at 6 p.m. Sunday at the Immaculate Heart gym in Tucson. A funeral Mass will be held July 26 at 11 a.m. at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Tucson. There will also be a service of remembrance at the Bucklin High School gym in Kansas on July 31 at 3 p.m.