Romeoville Teen Langston Britton, 14, Drowns at Wisconsin Church Camp; Community Devastated by Tragic Loss
A transformative church retreat turned into heartbreak last Friday when 14-year-old Langston Britton, a dedicated youth from Romeoville, Illinois, tragically drowned during a spiritual growth camp at Silver Birch Ranch near White Lake, Wisconsin. A close-knit community now mourns alongside his grieving family and faith community.
🚨 The Day That Changed Everything
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On Friday afternoon, Langston participated in the five-day StuCo Summer Camp, organized by Community Christian Church in Plainfield, Illinois. Over 400 teens attended the camp, created to deepen their spiritual journey and leadership skills.
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At approximately 1:15 p.m., during swimming at Sawyer Lake, Langston went under water and did not resurface. Lifeguards were alerted immediately by his friends.
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Lifeguards and emergency responders recovered Langston and administered CPR until EMS arrived, but he was pronounced dead on-site.
❤️ Remembering Langston Britton
Langston was known for his vibrant spirit, deep faith, and compassionate heart. Pastor John Ciesniewski of Community Christian Church shared:
“His laughter, his questions, his hugs, and his presence brought warmth and joy to every room he entered… Though his time on earth was heartbreakingly short, Langston’s impact was eternal.”
At just 14 years old, he had already become a leader among his peers, poised to begin high school and planning to be baptized during the weekend he lost his life.
🕰️ Community Response & Support
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The church immediately called back all high school campers and canceled the middle school camp scheduled later in the week.
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Local families, camp leaders, and church staff received grief support and counseling in response to the tragedy.
A GoFundMe launched by Pastor Ciesniewski to support funeral and memorial costs raised tens of thousands rapidly, reflecting the family’s and community’s shared grief.
đź“ť Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Langston Britton, 14 |
| Hometown | Romeoville, IL (Community Christian Church, Plainfield) |
| Camp Location | Silver Birch Ranch, White Lake, WI |
| Date & Time | Friday, around 1:15 p.m. |
| Incident | Drowned during swimming at summer camp |
| Response | Lifeguards & EMS responded, CPR performed |
| Status | Pronounced dead at scene |
| Community Impact | Camp canceled, grief counseling offered, fundraising support initiated |
| Legacy | Celebrated for faith, leadership, warmth, and untold potential |
| Pastor’s Tribute | “Though his time was heartbreakingly short, Langston’s impact was eternal.” |
🌿 Final Thoughts
Langston’s passing is a tragic reminder of life’s fragility—even in familiar settings. Though an experienced swimmer, Lingston was unexpectedly overcome in the water. Safety protocols are still being examined, but the focus now is on honoring his life and offering solace to all who loved him.
To Langston’s family, friends, and faith community: your grief is shared widely, and your young leader will be remembered for his compassion, curiosity, and unwavering faith.
May his memory inspire us to love more deeply, live more courageously, and care more compassionately.