Cornell student Douglas Lowe, Class of 2011, age 18, of Shelton, Conn., drowned June 12 in the turbulent waters of the Fall Creek Gorge, a short distance west and downstream of the suspension bridge.

According to the Ithaca Police Department report, "Lowe was swimming with a friend and went under as they were preparing to get out of the water. Several attempts were made to locate Lowe by his friend and other swimmers who dove into the area where Lowe was last seen."

A call to 911 was made at about 6 p.m.; Lowe's body was recovered at 9:20 p.m. by a Sidney-based New York State Police dive team that was called in to help with the search after Ithaca Police and Ithaca Fire department personnel responded to calls that a person had gone underwater and not surfaced. The Ithaca Journal reported that a state police diver said the body was found in a hole of murky water at the base of the waterfall where the very strong and treacherous current probably held his body down.

Lowe had just completed his freshman year at Cornell in the ILR School and was enrolled in the university's three-week Summer Session program.

"The news of Douglas' death has been very difficult for many here on campus," said LeNorman Strong, Cornell assistant vice president for student and academic services. "It's very sad -- Douglas was such a wonderful young man with a promising future. I want to convey heartfelt condolences from the Cornell community to his family and his many friends. He will be remembered."

Friends say that he was outgoing and popular and had great musical talent that he often shared with others.

A community support meeting for members of his Balch Hall residence hall is planned for today. The meeting is not open to the public. Memorial plans will be announced at a later date.

For information from the Ithaca Police Department, see http://www.cityofithaca.org/vertical/Sites/%7B5DCEB23D-5BF8-4AFF-806D-68E7C14DEB0D%7D/uploads/%7B73E3A692-8CCF-4DCC-90A5-C650B4554CFA%7D.PDF.