Student: 2 drowned teens missed earlier boat trip

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By WSBT Interns

Story Created: Nov 15, 2008 at 2:13 PM EDT

Story Updated: Nov 15, 2008 at 2:13 PM EDT

CHICAGO (AP) — A witness says two teens who drowned in a paddle boat excursion had missed a previous boat trip and wanted a chance to go on the river.

Sixteen-year-old Jonathan Miller tells the Chicago Sun-Times he stayed on the Fox River bank because he can't swim.

Three students drowned early Friday when their boats filled with water: 17-year-old Melvin Choice, 18-year-old Jimmy Avant and 16-year-old Adrian Jones.

The victims were high-achievers at Chicago's North Lawndale College Prep school. They were at a leadership retreat for young black men northwest of the city and sneaked away from sleeping chaperones.

Miller says says Choice was first to fall in the river. Avant jumped in to save Choice and Jones followed.

Two other boys paddled to shore for help. Miller says he went to tell the adults.

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Information from: Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/index

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