11-Year-Old Texas Boy, Who Died After Falling into a Creek, Remembered as 'One of the Most Kind-Hearted Young Men'

• The body of an 11-year-old boy was recovered from Cypress Creek in Spring, Texas, on Thursday, April 3, authorities announced
• Administrators with the Klein Independent School District have since revealed in a message to parents that the boy was sixth grader Braydin Barlow-Buirse, per local outlets
• A GoFundMe campaign has now raised nearly $30,000 for the boy's family as of Saturday, April 5

Authorities in Texas have recovered the body of an 11-year-old boy, whom they say died after falling into a creek.

On Thursday, April 3, Mark Herman, constable of Harris County Precinct 4, announced on Facebook that deputies and "multiple rescue teams" responded to Cypress Creek in Spring that night after a child fell in the creek and had not resurfaced. Hours later, Herman revealed that the search ended, with rescuers locating the child's body.

According to ABC affiliate KTRK and NBC affiliate KPRC, the Harris County Sheriff's Office is now leading the investigation into the child's death following the search at the 3700 block of Cypresswood Drive.

The HCSO did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for further information on Saturday, April 5.

The 11-year-old has since been identified by the Klein Independent School District as Braydin Barlow-Buirse, a sixth grader at Strack Intermediate School in Klein, Texas, according to both outlets. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend, and dedicated to raising money for the boy's family, also identified him.

"It is with deep sorrow that I share the heartbreaking news that one of our students, 6th grader Braydin Barlow-Buirse, has passed away following a tragic incident that occurred last night near Cypress Creek," the school's principal, Robert Gilbert, wrote in a statement to families, per Fox affiliate KRIV. "This loss has deeply impacted our school family, and we are grieving alongside the student’s loved ones. We extend our most sincere condolences to the family during this unimaginably difficult time."

Captain Michael Alaniz with the Spring Fire Department told KRIV that the water in the creek was largely "very low," with "a lot of obstructions" — although some parts were as deep as 15 feet, which impacted search efforts.

Speaking with KPRC, a woman has since said her 9-year-old godson was playing with Barlow-Buirse when she claims he jumped in the water after seeing her godson in distress. Another woman told the outlet that he was with a group of neighborhood kids at the time.

“Apparently they were playing ball, so they came home from school and they all got together. Then they were playing ball and then all of a sudden ended up here,” Yesenia Villasana told KPRC.

“Don’t know what time they decided to come over here, but they ended up here," she added.

Captain Steve Wilson of the HCSO told the outlet in a statement that it was a "tragic" event. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to everybody involved and the family,” Wilson said in a statement, adding, “For the sake of the family, this is the only information we’re going to give at this time, please respect their privacy.”

The child is now being remembered by loved ones as someone who was active in his local youth football team, liked the New Orleans Saints and would travel to watch Texas A&M games.

Cody Conner, Barlow-Buirse's football coach, told KRIV that he was an "awesome kid" who had "been an impactful part of this community."

"Braydin was one of the most kind-hearted young men I had the pleasure of being around on a regular basis. He put everyone first. He was selfless," he continued, adding that the preteen would "do anything to spend one more minute with him."

In a statement shared on Facebook on Friday, April 4, the All-American Youth Football and Drill Team (AAYFDT) announced the death of the "rising star in the Rams football community." Klein Collins Tigers Football has since announced additional fundraising efforts.

"Braydin was more than just a talented athlete — he was a source of inspiration, leadership and joy both on and off the field," the AAYFDT said. "His dedication, passion and spirit touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege to know him."

The league encouraged locals to donate to the GoFundMe campaign, which has since helped raise nearly $30,000 for Barlow-Buirse's family. Beau Peska — who works with the boy's father and organized the fundraiser — told KTRK that his death "broke all of our hearts."

"We're a smaller company and get very close with our employees. We see them every day. When someone's family gets hurt, it affects all of us," Peska said.

"We didn't get any sleep last night," added another coworker, Kenton Glover. "I know he's a good father because that's all he talks about, his kids. We share little tidbits on fathering and parenting, and it just breaks my heart that something like this can happen to a good family."

In the GoFundMe description, Peska wrote that the child's life "was tragically cut short in the currents of Cypress Creek in Spring, Texas," leaving his loved ones "grappling with unimaginable grief that words cannot fully capture."

"As the Hogan family mourns the loss of their beloved Braydin, let us unite as a community to provide the support they need during this incredibly difficult time," Peska continued. "We are raising funds to assist with funeral expenses, grief counseling, and to help the family navigate the many challenges that accompany such a devastating loss."