This story has beed updated to clarify what family know about the death of Bryce Castellanos.

A 16-year-old boy drowned Tuesday, June 23, in a Eugene fitness center pool.

Bryce Castellanos died after having a medical event while swimming, said Joey Castellanos, the boy’s father.

A GoFundMe page raising money for funeral expenses describes him as a “gentle giant” and devoted brother to his young sister, stating that Castellanos was a teen with autism.

“He was softly spoken, and he was genuinely sweet,” Castellanos said, adding that his son loved all his family.

Castellanos attended high school in Bend where he stayed with his mother, Amanda, but was in Eugene to be with his father, Joey, and spend time with other family members for the summer, said Steve Steffens, the boy’s uncle.

Joey Castellanos said his son passed all academic requirements, and was set to begin his junior year of high school in the fall.

“This kid was smarter than most people around us,” Castellanos said.

“No matter what difficulties were put in front of that kid, he was able to succeed and push forward with a smile on his face,” said Alena Steffens, who with her husband, Steve, is organizing the fundraising effort.

Eugene police responded at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a drowning involving a person who experienced a medical event at Oakway Fiit Health Club at 170 Oakway Road, police spokesperson Melinda McLaughlin said. There is no ongoing criminal investigation, McLaughlin said.

Steve Steffens described his nephew as quiet and shy, but said once he grew to know someone, he would “light up” when he saw them.

“Bryce was just an amazing kid,” Steve Steffens said.

This story has been updated with the correct date of the drowning.