Members of the Fairfield community are donating time, funds and energy to help the family of a teen who drowned over the weekend.

Nagee Crowder, 17, was a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. He drowned Saturday evening while paddleboarding with friends at Perry's Mill Pond. Police say the friends tried to rescue him but couldn't. They are still investigating his death.

Headmaster Greg Hatzis says Crowder's death has had a big impact on the school community. Hatzis described Crowder as a quiet leader among his friends.

"It's a real tragedy," he says.

A Fairfield teacher began a fundraising effort to help his family with funeral expenses, and it's already surpassed $26,000 in donations.

She says the family has struggled financially, and being new to the community, doesn't have the support needed to get through a tragedy such as this. Crowder only came to Fairfield Ludlowe at the end of his sophomore year.

"He was one of the sweetest young men you will ever meet," Hatzis says. "Everyone who came in contact with him just would talk about his smile, his politeness, his ability to just go with the flow and you know, it's a real tragedy."

The school has also started a compassion drive with families donating gift cards to restaurants, grocery stores, clothing stores or activities to help the family, especially Crowder's three siblings.

Hatzis also says a local funeral home and florist have donated their services for the funeral.

If you would like to donate, click here.