Area residents are remembering a 17-year-old former Alden-Conger High School student this week after he reportedly drowned in Lane County in Oregon last Thursday.

The teenager, Ethan Wyatt Braden, reportedly jumped off of a rock ledge 40- or 50-feet high and hit his head on a rock before landing in the water of Fall Creek Reservoir, according to Lane County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Carrie Carver. Braden was enjoying recreational time in the area with some friends.

A news release states Braden did not resurface after the jump and was found almost five hours later by the Lane County Search & Rescue Dive Team. Divers found his body about 54 feet below the surface of the water.

The Lane County Sheriff’s Office stated the group was in a remote area that was difficult for search teams to get to.

A Facebook page titled “In Loving Memory of Ethan Braden” was created following the incident, and numerous people have commented about memories with Braden.

Dan Silva of Alden said he and Braden used to ride the school bus together.

“I remember times of laughter,” Silva said. “He was a funny guy and always made everyone around him smile. He will be missed.”