Livingston Student Drowned Trying To Save Friend, Family Says

LIVINGSTON, NJ — When Matthew Poole leaped into the choppy waters of Ramapo Lake in Oakland on Tuesday evening, the teen’s goal was simple, according to his family… he wanted to save his friend’s life.

But although the 18-year-old football player and rising senior at Livingston High School struggled to help Isabella Brodsky, 17 – another rising senior at LHS and a member of the track and field team – the outcome was tragic for both teens, who ultimately drowned in the lake amid a sudden summer thunderstorm.

The family and friends of Poole recounted the incident - and the underlying heroism - on a GoFundMe campaign earlier this week (see the campaign here). They wrote:

"On August 7, the life of Matthew Poole came to a sudden and tragic end. Matthew was swimming at Ramapo Lake with a group of friends. A sudden summer thunderstorm caused conditions to quickly worsen. One of the friends was overcome by the water. Matthew jumped in to help his friend. Sadly he was unable to save her and they both perished."

On Wednesday, the Livingston and Essex County communities came together to mourn the loss of Poole and Brodsky with an emotional public vigil at the Livingston Gazebo. Dozens of the deceased students’ classmates and friends were in attendance; tears were on the faces of many. (See video below)

The Roseland First Aid Squad stated that their members were crushed to learn of the passing of Brodsky, a cadet EMT with a bright future as an emergency responder.

The squad posted information about her funeral arrangements on Thursday (story continues below):

“It breaks our hearts to announce the death of a cadet member and EMT Bella Brodsky of RFAS. [Here] are the funeral arrangements. 11 a.m. Beth Israel. 1098 Woodbridge Center Drive, Woodbridge. Outside funeral. All are welcomed to attend.”

The friends and family of Poole have established an online GoFundMe campaign to help pay for his funeral arrangements in the face of his tragic, unexpected loss. As of Thursday, the campaign has raised more than $35,000. (See the fundraising campaign here)

Dozens of stunned community members posted messages of condolence on the GoFundMe page, praising Poole’s heroism and remembering him with fondness and sympathy:

• “The Livingston Schools PRIDE program extends their condolences and love to your family. Our community lost one of its future leaders.”
• “I was with Matthew’s 2019 class for four years at Team academy and had the pleasure of teaching and watching him grow. I am truly saddened by this loss.”
• “I remember Matthew being very kind and helpful. I’m so sorry this has happened.”
• “I had Matthew in my Physical Education class. He was such a joy and an absolute pleasure to teach.”
• “Matthew will always be remembered as a hero.”
• “Matt is a hero who gave his life to save a friend.”

The West Essex Tribune posted the below video from Wednesday's vigil.

A DAY OF SWIMMING TURNS TRAGIC

According to authorities, Poole and Brodsky were swimming with friends at Ramapo Lake when the tragedy took place.

On Tuesday around 7 p.m., State Park police officers responded to a report from the Ringwood Police Department about two possible drownings at the lake, which is in the Ramapo State Forest.

A New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) spokesperson told Patch that divers recovered the teenagers' bodies late Tuesday night. The Passaic County Medical Examiner examined the bodies at the scene.

• See related article: Bodies Of 2 Livingston Students Recovered After Drowning

The Livingston Public School District released the following statement about the incident:

“Livingston Public Schools confirms that the tragedy in Oakland, NJ on Tuesday, August 7 involved two Livingston High School students that would have been senior in September – a 17-year female and an 18-year old male. Our district is providing counseling services and resources for students, staff and families in our community."

Swimming is not allowed at the 120-acre, clearwater mountain lake, which is typically used for fishing and birdwatching, according to the NJDEP.

At least 25 people have now died in water-related incidents in New Jersey since May.

• See related article: At Least 25 NJ Water Deaths Since May As Tragic Trend Continues
• See related article: Don't Swim At Notorious 'Devil's Hole,’ Cedar Grove Police Say

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Main Photo: Shutterstock