A late night of fishing with friends turned tragic Wednesday night in the city of Lockport. A fisherman, who graduated from Lockport High School just last month, apparently jumped in the Erie Canal and never resurfaced.

As you can imagine, the teen's family is devastated. His grieving mother let her neighbors do the talking, but News 4 did speak to her briefly, privately, in her home. She said that her son loved to fish and it's hard to believe he's gone.

Bonnie Zimmerman said, "He's lovable. He'd do anything for anyone."

Neighbors wiped away tears as they spoke about 18-year-old David Draper of Lockport. His sudden and tragic death left them in shock.

Helen Baldwin said, "He just came to my step-father's house to get a hook to go fishing. That was it."

The teen's mom and many others walked away in disbelief Wednesday night when Lockport Police retrieved his body from the Erie Canal after an extensive search in the murky, deep water. His friends told investigators that he went in to retrieve his fishing pole.

Lockport Police Capt. Brian Wentland said, "His friends stated he just fell into the water, and didn't resurface. Our hearts go out to family members."

Draper recently graduated from Lockport High School. His neighbors described him as helpful, and kind, never in any trouble.

Ruth Spedding said, "It's so sad. It's really sad. He was so young."

That particular stretch of the canal often draws recreational fisherman. In fact, Draper was there last week, and dropped his phone in the water, but didn't try to retrieve it."

Apparently, he knew he wasn't a strong swimmer, leading some to wonder if he slipped, and fell into the water. There's no railing along the dock.

Baldwin said, "I was surprised he did go in. They should have a rail on both sides."

Detectives continue to investigate, but say it appears the teen was a victim of an accidental drowning. Draper is survived by his parents, and three sisters. Funeral arrangements are still being worked out.