Family holds vigil for 13-year-old boy who drowned after being swept away by floodwater in Mount Airy

CARROLL COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — The family of a 13-year-old boy who was found dead after he was swept away by floodwaters in Mount Airy held a vigil Sunday night in his honor.

Mount Airy Police Department Chief Michael Ginevra identified the boy as Mason Kearns, 13, of Mount Airy. The teen was

swept down a drainage ditch Thursday evening after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in the area.

Firefighters, officers, and Carroll County deputies worked tirelessly to save Mason, who had become trapped in the drain pipe. Crews were able to pull him from the storm drain, but he had already drowned.

In a post on social media, Ginevra said Mason’s family consented to his public identification and that a candlelight vigil would be held in his memory at 8 p.m. on Aug. 3 at Watkins Park, near the skate park.

“I have been told by family members that Mason loved skateboarding,” wrote Ginevra.

“Thank you for respecting Mason and his family & friends during this investigation,” he continued.