SLIDELL, La. — The St. Tammany Parish Coroner identified a teenager who died over the weekend.
Slidell police say 15-year-old Jeron Magee drowned after jumping into Palm Lake to retrieve a football.
When he went deeper into the water, he started to panic and never resurfaced. This happened Saturday around 4:30 p.m.
Magee's mother described him as a hero to his younger brother and a gentle giant.
Magee attended Salmen High School.
St. Tammany parish schools say additional mental health professionals are on campus.
Authorities are urging families to have floatation devices nearby if they'll be on or near water this holiday weekend.
"It's beautiful, it's fun, but we need to appreciate the dangers of water. Don't get complacent. Do not get complacent," Slidell Police Department spokesman Daniel Seuzeneau said.
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