Waltham High grad confirmed to be Framingham drowning victim

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that Waltham High School Class of 2026 graduate Adama Sow is the same 18-year-old who died after being pulled from Foss Reservoir in Framingham on Monday.

Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa had sent an email to families on Tuesday sharing the news of Sow’s death but did not mention that he was the teenager who had drowned.

“Adama’s passing is heartbreaking, and we extend our sincerest condolences to his loved ones, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone whose life was touched by him,” Mendonsa wrote.

Sow was pulled from the reservoir around 12:15 p.m. on July 20 following a 911 call reporting a swimmer struggling in the water who eventually went underwater and could not be located. Sow was rushed to a local hospital, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful. The area at the Foss Reservoir where Sow was found is a popular swimming spot, according to Framingham community members.

“This loss is deeply felt throughout our school community,” Mendonsa wrote in her email. “We encourage students, staff, and families to check in with one another over the coming days, to talk openly about their feelings, and to seek support if needed.”

Support for those affected by Sow’s death can be found via the Crisis Text Line, which offers free and confidential 24/7 mental health support. To access the line, text HOME to 741741. Additional help can be found via the Advocates Community Behavioral Health Center in Waltham, reachable at 508-661-2038.