Dozens in East Brunswick are mourning the death of a 13-year-old boy who drowned in a pond near the city's police headquarters.

The classmates of Yousef Khela say they couldn’t even go back to school after they heard the news that their best friend had died.

Community members and friends gathered at the vigil at the East Brunswick municipal building, near where Khela drowned.

Friends brought flowers, pictures and candles in remembrance. Some also wore commemorative sweatshirts with Khela’s picture and name.

Classmates say they will remember Khela as a loyal friend who was very athletic and aspired to become a police officer.

They also say the school postponed midterms for his friends to help them cope with their difficult loss.