Atlanta, GA-In a devastating accident that has shaken the Pace Academy community and the city of Atlanta, 17-year-old Hart Allen died on Saturday, June 21, after being electrocuted while swimming near a lake dock. The beloved student, athlete, and friend was enjoying a summer outing when the tragedy occurred—an unthinkable loss that has left friends, teachers, and loved ones reeling.
Authorities report that Hart was swimming in the lake near a residential dock when he came into contact with an electric current, believed to have originated from faulty wiring or exposed electrical equipment. Despite the immediate efforts of those nearby and emergency responders, Hart could not be revived.
The heartbreaking news has spread quickly through the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance for a young man known for his warmth, generosity, and relentless spirit.
“A Beacon of Kindness and Leadership”
Hart had been a part of the Pace Academy family since 2017. A standout in both academics and athletics, he was a cherished member of the school’s water polo and lacrosse teams, as well as a dedicated Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. Recently recognized as a Life Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow, Hart exemplified the ideals of service and selflessness.
Those who knew him describe Hart as the kind of person who lit up a room—not with loudness, but with genuine kindness and a quiet strength that drew others in. His coaches remember a player who always put the team first. His teachers speak of a curious and insightful student. And his friends recall someone who never hesitated to offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement.
“He wasn’t just a good kid—he was the best of us,” said one of Hart’s lacrosse teammates. “He cared so much about others. He was always lifting people up.”
A Wake-Up Call for Safety
In the aftermath of the accident, renewed attention is being given to the dangers of dockside electricity—an often-overlooked risk in lake recreation. Experts urge property owners and public officials to perform regular safety inspections, especially during summer months when swimming activity peaks.
“This tragedy underscores how vital electrical safety is around water,” said one local official. “Our hearts go out to the Allen family. We owe it to them—and to Hart—to prevent this from happening again.”
Community Gathers to Mourn and Celebrate
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 3, at 10:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta. Friends, classmates, and community members are invited to attend, wearing Pace Academy colors, team jerseys, or Scout uniforms in honor of Hart’s many passions.
The Allen family, while overwhelmed with grief, has expressed gratitude for the incredible wave of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike.
A Life That Shined Bright, Gone Too Soon
Hart Allen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, courage, and quiet strength. In his 17 short years, he made an indelible mark on those around him. His passing is an unimaginable loss—but the lessons he taught through the way he lived will live on.
He is survived by his parents, siblings, extended family, and a vast network of friends and mentors who will carry his memory forward.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to organizations that promote water safety and electrical hazard awareness, ensuring that Hart’s death may inspire the kind of change that saves lives in the future.
“He gave us so much in so little time,” said one Pace Academy faculty member. “We were the lucky ones to know him.”
