A Mississippi high school senior who was ready to graduate tonight, was identified Friday as the man who drowned Thursday in a river where he was swimming with his friends.

Long Beach School District Superintendent Dr. Jay Smith confirmed the students identity in a social media post he said was authorized by the victim’s parents.

“The Long Beach School District is saddened at the tragic death of Peyton Taylor Henson who lost his life yesterday,” Smith wrote. “He was scheduled to graduate tonight at 6:00 p.m. with the rest of our 2019 Bearcat senior class.

“On behalf of the entire district, our thoughts and prayers go out to Peyton’s family, and I personally pray that they will be comforted by the mercy and love of our heavenly Father. The Long Beach School District family stands ready to comfort and assist all those who loved Peyton. May God bless them at this most difficult time.”

Local media reported the 18-year-old was reported missing Thursday afternoon while he was swimming with his friends in the Wolf River, north of Pass Christian.