Tragedy struck the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community this week as 18-year-old Will Glass was identified as the victim of a drowning accident at Smith Lake. Will, a rising senior, was set to begin his final year of high school this August.
According to the Winston County Coroner, Will’s body was recovered from the waters of Smith Lake on Sunday evening, July 27. Emergency crews responded to the scene following reports of a missing swimmer. Despite rescue efforts, Will was located and pulled from the lake later that night. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the official cause of death.
Will Glass was remembered by school administrators as “a bright, kind-hearted young man who brought joy, laughter, and a deep sense of friendship to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” according to an email sent to the school community.
News of his passing has left classmates, teachers, and friends heartbroken. The loss of such a young and promising life has cast a shadow over the start of what was meant to be a celebratory senior year.
A prayer service and rosary in Will’s memory are scheduled for **6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church**. All are invited to attend as the community gathers to grieve, honor, and remember a life taken far too soon.
Will is being remembered not just for his academic and extracurricular involvement, but for the compassion, warmth, and infectious energy he shared with those around him.
