LUCASVILLE -- After a 9-year-old boy drowned in Lucasville, the boy's family is currently trying to plan a funeral while mourning his loss at the same time.

According to a release from Scioto County Sheriff Marty V. Donini, Shannon Thibodaux of Jackson Street in Lucasville was found 55 feet out into the water at a sand and gravel pit by the Scioto County Sheriff's Office Scuba Diving Team, Valley Emergency Squad, Valley Fire Department and South Shore Fire Department at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday. Thibodaux was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 3:12 p.m., the sheriff's department received a 911 call from a woman who said two young boys came to her house requesting her to call for help, according to the release. The boys said they had been swimming with another boy at the sand and gravel pit, and this boy had gone underwater and never came up.

Dr. Terry Johnson, Scioto County coroner, ordered the body to be taken to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office for an autopsy. Donini said the preliminary investigation does not indicate any foul play, but the cause of death is still undetermined.

Jennifer Davis of Franklin Furnace is engaged to Eddie Thibodaux, Shannon's father. She knew Shannon for six to seven years.

"It's awful, really awful," Davis said. "I can't explain it. My cousin died when he was young. I hate to see this happen to anyone's kid."

Davis described Shannon as a hard-working boy who was always willing to help around the house, especially helping his father cut the grass. Now, his father and his 10-year-old sister are taking the news very hard. On top of this, the family is also planning a funeral.

TO HELP

A fund has been set up locally to help the family of Shannon Thibodaux. Donations may be sent to Richard Duvendeck, home delivery manager at The Ironton Tribune, P.O. Box 647, Ironton, Ohio 45638.