No foul play suspected in Boy Scout death

Just shy of sixth grade, Patrick Hannon had diverse extracurricular hobbies that would have been the envy of a college applicant.

Bridge. Musical theater. Oceanography.

The 10-year-old Huntington boy was further widening his skills at a Boy Scouts of America camp in Rhode Island last week when he died Saturday. He'll be buried in his Scout uniform, troop leaders said, citing the family's wishes.

Sunday, those who knew Patrick at Woodhull Intermediate School and Scout Troop 78, both in Huntington, remained in shock.

"We are all absolutely devastated," Woodhull Principal Mary Stokkers said in a statement. "He was such a happy boy, so polite to everyone."

Patrick was discovered Saturday inside the platform tent he shared with several other boys at the rural Yawgoog Scout Reservation in Rockville, R.I. After resuscitation efforts failed, he was pronounced dead at 7 a.m.

In a statement Sunday, the Hannon family said they wished to express their "heartfelt appreciation to all who are helping us cope with our profound loss. Your continued prayers will provide us with strength during this difficult time."

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Hopkinton police, who are investigating, said the boy may have died in his sleep and that foul play isn't suspected.

Patrick's aunt, who did not want to be identified by name, said he had no medical issues and that an autopsy performed Saturday found no explanation for his death. The results of that autopsy have not been made public.

Patrick was one of about 35 scouts from Troop 78 at the summer camp. They were scheduled to leave the camp Sunday but, after his death, the troop returned to Long Island on Saturday.

"We're a community, and we're deeply hurt," said Henry Filippini, the Troop 78 scoutmaster. "He was perfectly healthy the night before."

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Filippini said the boy with curly reddish hair and an outgoing personality made many friends within the troop, which he'd been a part of for several months.

At last week's camp, activities included advancement and merit badge work such as oceanography, orienteering (finding your way using a map) and lashing (ropework.)

"He was one of those little boys who really took to the program," the scoutmaster said. "He really wanted to advance."

Camp Yawgoog, 28 miles from Providence in southwest Rhode Island, has been a Boy Scout site since 1916. David Preston, of the Boy Scouts' Narragansett Council, which runs the camp, said Patrick was the first camper to die there.

In his memory, Troop 78 plans to present Patrick's family with his merit badge work.

"He was one of those kids who was going to go a long way," said Jim Packard, the troop's committee chairman. "He was positive, and always willing do to what he was asked."

Stokkers recalled Patrick's enthusiasm for performing in the school production of "The Music Man Jr.," adding, "He never missed a rehearsal."

Last year, Patrick graduated from Woodhull's 25-week after-school bridge class. Counseling will be available there Monday, at Flower Hill Primary School, which two of Patrick's siblings attend, and at Jack Abrams School, home of the Project Play summer program.

The Hannon family plans private visitation and funeral services.