HAMPTON, N.H. — The Pinkerton Academy community is mourning the tragic loss of 17-year-old student Youness Kraouch, who drowned Sunday, August 24, 2025, while swimming with his family at Hampton Beach.

Born in Morocco, Kraouch moved to the United States with aspirations of completing high school and pursuing a college education. He enrolled at Pinkerton Academy in Derry last year and was preparing to begin his senior year this fall.

Faculty, staff, and classmates remember Kraouch as a bright, engaging student with a passion for soccer and a deep curiosity about the world. “He loved soccer and enjoyed lively debates with his fellow students. Youness also loved talking about his culture with others,” the school said in a statement Monday.

The tragedy unfolded Sunday when Kraouch was caught in a strong ocean current while swimming with his father. According to officials, his father attempted to rescue him but also became distressed. Lifeguards and first responders pulled both from the water and administered lifesaving measures. Kraouch was transported to Exeter Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. His father is recovering and remains in stable condition.

The loss has left both his family and the wider Pinkerton Academy community in shock. Friends and teachers described him as kind, thoughtful, and courageous — a young man determined to build a future in a new country while staying deeply connected to his roots.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Pinkerton community is offering counseling services and support for students and staff as they grieve.

Kraouch’s passing is being felt deeply across Derry and beyond, as loved ones remember a promising young man whose life ended far too soon.