UPDATED: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 7:57pm to add conflicting reports on initial incident.
UPDATED: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 10:33am to add police information.
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) — West Boca High School Student Zach Denaro was allegedly given a tainted acid-like concoction by an acquaintance on a Boca Raton beach that was so strong it pushed Denaro into a coma. Denaro died hours later at an area hospital.
Police are investigating the death and conflicting reports that Denaro had a violent, physical altercation with the acquaintance before losing consciousness.
The incident, according to BocaNewsNow.com tipsters, happened after Denaro “tried a new drug similar to acid. He had a bad trip, ended up in a physical altercation, then a coma.”
Boca Raton Police confirmed Tuesday morning that there is an active death investigation into the incident that happened in the 3000 block of South Ocean Drive.
Prior to police confirmation, parents emailed BocaNewsNow.com expressing concern that the death — and drug use — was being kept quiet.
Wrote one parent: “I think this really needs to be reported for the sake of the kids. If nothing more than to wake up more parents about the dangers of drugs and how readily available they are in this town.”
We are not releasing the name of the other person as law enforcement continues its investigation. We have learned there were witnesses to the drug use and alleged attack. There are no records indicating charges have been filed.
On Zach’s Facebook page, friends are leaving messages including, “You’re beautiful,” “Rest In Peace,” and “R.I.P bro you will be missed.”
Zach was described in an email to BocaNewsNow.com as a “really well liked and sweet kid.”
Services for Zach are planned for later this week. It is the policy of BocaNewsNow.com to not telephone grieving family members following a death.
However, we will post their comments verbatim upon request.
***NOTE: As of 2pm Thursday, June 20th, we will no longer post comments to this article. You may have the option to add one, but it will not be published. ***
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