SMITH LAKE, AL — Tragedy struck the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community this week as 18-year-old Will Glass, a rising senior, was identified as the victim of a drowning accident at Smith Lake on Sunday evening, July 27, 2025. Will, who was set to begin his final year of high school this August, was described by friends, family, and school officials as a bright and compassionate young man who brought joy to all who knew him.

Details of the Incident

According to the Winston County Coroner’s Office, emergency crews were dispatched to Smith Lake following reports of a missing swimmer. Will Glass had been swimming in the lake, but when he failed to resurface, witnesses quickly alerted authorities. Despite immediate rescue efforts, Will’s body was located and recovered from the water that evening.

The cause of death is still under investigation, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the official cause. While officials have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the drowning, the incident has left the community in shock and mourning.

Remembering Will Glass

Will Glass was much more than a student at McGill-Toolen Catholic High School. He was a beloved figure in the school community, known for his kindness, warmth, and infectious energy. In an email sent to the school community, administrators described Will as “a bright, kind-hearted young man who brought joy, laughter, and a deep sense of friendship to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Will’s death has left a significant void in the hearts of his classmates, teachers, and friends, many of whom are grappling with the loss of someone they described as full of life and potential. As the school year was about to begin, Will was excited to start his final year at McGill-Toolen, a time many seniors look forward to as a celebration of their high school journey. Now, instead of excitement and anticipation, the school community is filled with profound sadness.

A Community in Mourning

The McGill-Toolen community, as well as the wider Smith Lake area, has been devastated by Will’s passing. A prayer service and rosary are scheduled in his memory at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. This gathering will allow community members to come together to grieve, honor, and remember Will’s life, which was tragically cut short.

School officials have also arranged for grief counselors to be available on campus to support students and staff as they cope with the loss of a beloved peer. Many students have expressed their heartbreak on social media, sharing memories of Will and offering support to one another during this difficult time. “He was one of those people who made everyone feel included. He always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone. He’ll never be forgotten,” said one of his classmates.

Will’s Legacy

In addition to his academic success, Will was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, contributing to the school’s sense of community and spirit. Whether it was through athletics, student government, or helping out in the community, Will’s involvement was a testament to his dedication to his peers and to making a positive impact on those around him. He was known not just for his intelligence, but also for his generosity, compassion, and his ability to make people feel welcome.

Friends have recalled his infectious laughter and the warmth he brought to every room he entered. “Will was the kind of person who made you feel like you were the most important person in the world,” said a close friend. “His energy was contagious, and he had this way of making everything feel brighter, even on the hardest days.”

As the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community reflects on the loss of Will Glass, they are finding solace in the memories they shared with him and the impact he had on their lives. Teachers, fellow students, and friends continue to honor his legacy through acts of kindness, remembering the joy he spread, and supporting each other through their collective grief.

Continued Support for the Glass Family

The school community is also offering continued prayers for the Glass family as they navigate this unimaginable loss. Will’s parents and siblings are being supported by the school, friends, and family as they cope with the pain of losing a son, brother, and friend. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Glass family,” said a school administrator. “This is an incredibly difficult time for them, and we are here to offer whatever support they need.”

In addition to the support being provided by the school, local residents and businesses have come together to offer assistance and comfort to the grieving family. “Our community is pulling together, and we will make sure the Glass family feels the love and support of everyone who cares about them,” said a local resident.

The Importance of Water Safety

While the cause of Will Glass’s tragic drowning remains under investigation, the incident has once again drawn attention to the importance of water safety, particularly at popular lakes and swimming areas. Smith Lake, a known recreational destination, has seen its share of rescue operations over the years. With many families and young people enjoying the water, it is crucial to be aware of the risks involved in water activities, including the importance of wearing life jackets and swimming in designated safe areas.

The McGill-Toolen community, along with local authorities, is urging individuals to take necessary precautions when swimming in lakes or engaging in water activities. By promoting water safety awareness, the hope is to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Looking Ahead: Healing and Remembering Will

As the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community moves forward, they are focused on healing from this devastating loss while continuing to honor Will Glass’s memory. The upcoming prayer service and rosary will provide an opportunity for the community to come together in support of each other and to celebrate Will’s life.

In the days and weeks to come, the school plans to continue offering resources for students and staff to cope with their grief. Teachers will work closely with students to ensure they have the support they need, and counseling services will remain available for anyone struggling with the emotional weight of the loss.

As the school year approaches, Will’s classmates and teachers are determined to keep his spirit alive by embodying the values of kindness, generosity, and joy that he exemplified during his time at McGill-Toolen. Through their collective efforts to support the Glass family and each other, the community will continue to honor the legacy of this bright young man whose life was taken too soon.

Conclusion

Will Glass’s passing has left an irreplaceable void in the McGill-Toolen Catholic High School community. His enthusiasm for life, his academic and extracurricular involvement, and his deep compassion for others made him a beloved member of his school and the broader community. As friends, family, and classmates come together to mourn his loss, they also commit to keeping his memory alive by carrying forward the positive qualities he exemplified.

The McGill-Toolen community remains united in grief, prayer, and support for the Glass family as they navigate this heartbreaking time. As the investigation into the drowning continues, the hope is that through remembrance, love, and shared strength, those who knew Will will find comfort in knowing that his legacy will never be forgotten.