Bolingbrook Residents Reach Out with Thoughts, Prayers Following Teen's Drowning

Soon after 17-year-old Javier Vera—a Bolingbrook High School student—died in a swimming accident on Wednesday night at the old Elmhurst-Chicago Stone Co. Quarry, local residents offered prayers and sympathy to his friends and family on Bolingbrook Patch’s Facebook Page.

Some also questioned the wisdom of boys being boys—three teens swimming in the dark in a restricted area—and tried to make sense out of a tragedy that really makes no sense. The question of why is one that comes with no good answer.

READ: 1 Dead in Bolingbrook Swimming Accident

ALSO: Bolingbrook Drowning Victim Identified

The quarry—sold 2-3 months ago and located at 1421 W. 135h St. in Bolingbrook—is on private property. A spokesman for Elmhurst-Chicago Stone Co. said no trespassing signs are posted.

There has been no official word on how the boys gained access.

Services for Vera were announced Thursday afternoon by Valley View School District Community Relations Director Larry Randa:

• Visitation is Friday, Aug. 30, from 4-8 p.m. at Bolingbrook McCauley Chapel, 530 W. Boughton Road.
• Funeral mass is Saturday, Aug. 31, at 9 a.m. at St. Dominic Church in Bolingbrook.
• Interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bolingbrook.

Here is a sampling of the Facebook comments:

Lillian Montemayor Prayers and heartfelt condolences to the family...God be with you ....My 2 grandchildren attend BHS…

Debbie Peterson Garcia Heart felt prayers for his family...♡

Rebecca Gruber Brogni Boats are allowed at Whalen Lake, NOT any quarry. Poor teenage decision making leaves a family without their loved one

Pray for the family & Pray for the friends that witnesses their friend's passing.

Donna Hinz Schanks I always thought that this was off Royce Road. Is there one there too? Shame simply tragic. No fun entering areas that are restricted they are restricted and off limits for a reason. Young ones please learn. Don't be fools just follow the rules. There are consequences to your actions and decisions be it good or bad. Bad will always equal bad consequences. Always.

Dawn Terpin Lamb My heart aches for the child, family, friends. Life is too short.

Antonette King That is absolutely horrible and I am so very sorry for his family. My family and I go there a few times a summer to fish. Im gonna ask this not to be rude, but just as a question since we do go there to fish. Is swimming allowed there? I know they allow small boats but I didnt think you could swim there. Have they changed things since we havent been there in a few weeks?