NORTH WATERBORO, Maine — According to the state medical examiner’s office, Jaden Dremsa died by drowning due to blunt-force head trauma. The manner of his death has been ruled accidental.
The 15-year-old’s body was found in Lake Arrowhead on Saturday, after a massive nine-day search.
“It really is devastating,” said Daryl Dremsa, Jaden’s father. “It truly is.”
It’s not the outcome Dremsa’s father and family were hoping for.
“Jaden is just going to be missed terribly and it breaks my heart to have any of us going through this,” said Jaden’s aunt, Debbie Greer.
The teen left his North Waterboro home on May 8 to go for a walk and never came back.
“He was a great kid, great to have as a child,” said Daryl Dremsa.
Daryl Dremsa said his son had Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism. He was shy, quiet and often fearless.
“He enjoyed outdoors, just completely loved being outside, hanging out, boating, swimming expeditions,” said Daryl Dremsa.
“It seems when you were down, he knew it and always gave you something to bring you up,” said Norma Dremsa, Jaden’s grandmother. “A smile or just being there.”
A freshman at Massabesic High School, Jaden had a small circle of close friends. Principal Chris Elkington said school on Monday started with a moment of silence.
“We had several kids who did cards to share with the parents and we’ll get that to them,” he said.
People in the community, some who never even knew Jaden, have left candles, flowers and messages at a makeshift memorial. The support has helped his family through an unbearable experience.
“I think he made a difference in a huge community,” said Meschelle Seavey, Jaden’s aunt. “He brought together our family.”
While they’ve found some closure, his family still has questions about what happened to Jaden.
His grandparents hope he didn’t suffer.
“It seemed like he was out exploring and lost his way, made a slip,” said his grandfather Don Dremsa. “And the angels called him home,” said Norma Dresma.
Jaden’s mom, Jennifer Howard, said she’s planning a memorial service for sometime this month. There is an online fundraiser to help cover those expenses.