Teacher Starts Funeral Fund for Indiana Boys Who Drowned

Donations may be made to the "Smith Children of Gary, Indiana Memorial Fund" at any Chase Bank branch

A teacher of an 8-year-old Gary boy who drowned with his 9-year-old brother in a water-filled pit has started a fund to help their family pay for their funerals.

Elizabeth Renta said she decided to start the fund at Chase Bank in Gary after learning the family of 8-year-old Terrion Smith and 9-year-old Donel Smith could not afford a service for the boys until next month.

Renta said Terrion had been in her first grade class and was always willing to help.

The boys drowned in a water-filled pit in Hobart on Saturday. The pit was drained and filled on Monday.

The two had reportedly ventured just blocks away from their home with former classmates to a sandy, water-filled hole in the area.

"We went where the sand was and climbed there," said 10-year-old Dasean Smith, who tried to rescue the boys.

"I tried to pull them out, but I was drowning so I got out," he said.

Donations may be made to the "Smith Children of Gary, Indiana" fund at any Chase Bank branch.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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