Teen's death a tragic lesson in alcohol dangers: mayor
Zachary Michael Tobin remembered in Conception Bay South as a fine athlete
Residents of Conception Bay South are still coming to terms with the death of teenager Zachary Michael Tobin, with the town's mayor saying that the case proves the need for a candid conversation about alcohol risks.
Tobin, 15, was unresponsive when emergency personnel and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary arrived at a home in the Indian Pond Estates area of the Seal Cove neighbourhood around 11:30 p.m. on Friday.
The boy was taken to the Janeway children's hospital in St. John's where he was pronounced dead.
A terrific athlete
Since Tobin's death, there has been an outpouring of support for his family by friends, classmates and community organizations.
Gerard Tilley, president of the C.B.S. Softball Association, said Tobin was a mainstay at the field.
"He used to intimidate some of the bigger guys because he used to throw the ball not as fast as what a lot of the kids were used to — so he used to catch them off guard," Tobin said.
"I tell you right now, if there's a softball team in heaven, he's warming-up there today."
Tilley told CBC News that Tobin was a terrific athlete who often encouraged the younger players.
If there's a softball team in heaven, he's warming-up there today.- Gerard Tilley, president of the C.B.S Softball Association
"If someone had a [hard time] at bat, or made a bad catch in the field, he'd be the first to come over and say, 'Hey, it's only a game.'"
According to Tilley, the family is heavily involved in the softball community and talks are already underway to organize a tournament in the boy's honour.
A larger problem
The family doesn't want the circumstances surrounding the teenager's death to overshadow his memory.
However, several sources have told CBC News that Tobin consumed a large amount of alcohol before his death — and that concerns C.B.S. Mayor Ken McDonald.
"You talk to your kids about what drugs can do but I think included in that conversation has to be alcohol," McDonald said.
"Parents, aunts, uncles — everybody has to talk to kids today and let them know the dangers of alcohol, the dangers of drugs, the dangers of driving under the influence of any of those things," said McDonald.
"It's unfortunate that it takes something like this to have to heighten the awareness."
In an online obituary, the Tobin family thanked emergency staff at the Janeway, paramedics, the C.B.S. fire department and the RNC.
The family has asked that donations be made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Down Syndrome Society in lieu of flowers.
The cause of the boy's death has not been determined, pending an autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.