12-year-old drowns trying to cross river on horseback

A twelve year old boy drowned over the weekend after being swept away by strong currents in the Macal River. According to police reports, Peter Caretella was on horseback when he tried to cross the river near Santa Familia Village. But as the animal sank low in the water, he was overwhelmed and within seconds the boy disappeared beneath the surface. Desperate attempts by his fifteen year old companion proved futile as on Tuesday, the lifeless body of Caretella was pulled from the river. We understand that the child was returning to his home in Esperanza Village after buying the horse in Santa Familia.