News Summary

The Floyd County community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Noah Maddox, a local football star who tragically drowned during a team fundraiser at Highland Lake. As friends jumped in to cool off, Noah experienced distress and, despite rescue attempts, drowned. His passing has left the community in shock, prompting a GoFundMe campaign for his family. The tragedy follows the recent loss of another student, highlighting the immense grief the community is facing. Plans for a memorial at the lake and support for students at Floyd Central High School are underway.

Tragic Drowning of Local Football Star Shocks Indiana Community

In a heart-wrenching incident that has left everyone in Floyd County reeling, 17-year-old Noah Maddox lost his life while participating in a team fundraiser at Highland Lake on the evening of April 25, 2025. The young athlete, a proud junior at Floyd Central High School and an integral part of the school’s football team, was involved in delivering mulch to homes as part of a fundraising initiative when a moment of joy turned into a tragic accident.

A Fun Break Turns Fatal

After a long day of hard work for the fundraiser, Noah and a few of his teammates decided to cool off by jumping into the chilly waters of Highland Lake. What started as a fun and refreshing escape quickly took a turn as Noah reportedly began experiencing distress in the water. Despite the attempts made by his friends to rescue him, the situation escalated too quickly, and sadly, he drowned.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly, launching a rescue and recovery operation. However, by the time they recovered Noah’s body around 10:45 p.m. that night, he had already passed away. The coroner’s office has yet to release further details regarding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, leaving the community in shock and disbelief.

A Community Mourns

Noah was known not only for his athletic prowess but also as a leader and a role model to many peers. Dreaming of becoming a professional football player, he was admired for his passion for the sport, vintage clothing, music, and for spending quality time with friends and family. To honor his memory, members of the community have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family, which has raised over $27,000 as of May 1.

This tragic incident comes on the heels of another shocking event in the community, just six months after former teammate Bryce Gerlach was tragically killed during a school shooting. Bryce was remembered for his bravery as he tried to protect others during the incident and is mourned as a hero by his family and friends. The recent losses have left an indelible mark on the Floyd County community, which is still healing from the scars of previous tragedies.

A Beacon of Hope

As Noah’s friends gather to remember the selfless, kind, and loving person he was, plans are underway to erect a memorial cross at the lake where he tragically passed, ensuring that he is honored appropriately. One friend shared a particularly poignant moment where a double rainbow appeared after Noah’s passing, a comforting sign believed to symbolize that he is now at peace with God and reunited with Bryce. The community is coming together, wrapping their arms around Noah’s family and teammates, offering love and support during this unbearable time.

Support for Students

Recognizing the profound impact of this loss, Floyd Central High School has made counselors available to support students and staff dealing with the emotional fallout of this tragedy. It’s crucial during such challenging times for the community to connect and help each other heal. The memories of both Noah and Bryce will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew them, a reminder of their light and the lives they touched.

As everyone continues to mourn, the community stands united, proving that through love and support, they will overcome this heartbreaking chapter together, celebrating the lives of two young heroes taken too soon.

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