Family, friends stunned after teen drowns in Martinez pool

MARTINEZ, Calif. (KGO) -- The Contra Costa Sheriff's Department is in mourning and a high school is in shock after a star athlete, whose mother is a sheriff's sergeant, appears to have drowned in a Martinez pool over the weekend.

His family tells ABC7 News they'd like everyone to know he was a "great-hearted, easygoing, and loving young man." They say he was a "gentle giant."

"It was awfully depressing," said student Briana McElroy.

It was a tough day at Alhambra High School as students attempted to process the loss of one of their own -- 15-year-old Andre Parrilla drowned Sunday morning in a backyard pool.

"Everyone was sad, crying," McElroy said. "Even the kids who didn't know him well were really, really sad. It was just a heartbreaking experience."

As a freshman, Parrilla played football and wrestled at Alhambra. Contra Costa Sheriff's officials confirm he is the son of a sheriff's sergeant.

The teen was found unresponsive at 4:25 a.m. in a pool on Hill Girt Ranch Road. Sheriff's officials would not confirm social media reports that Parrilla's death came after a party at the home that may have involved alcohol.

In the meantime, the Martinez School District sent a crisis team to Alhambra High and two other schools in the district.

"I think the important thing to understand us that for students, some will grieve in the present time, and some may grieve and try to process this loss in the days to come and the weeks to come," said C.J. Cammack with the school district.

The sheriff's department is awaiting toxicology test results to determine Parrilla's exact cause of death.