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O'Connor football player drowns in Medina Co.

Joshua Biggles, 15, drowns at Paradise Canyon

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SAN ANTONIO – Family and friends are mourning Sunday after an O'Connor High School student drowns in Medina County.

Medina County Sheriff Randy Brown confirmed that 15-year-old Joshua Biggles drowned Sunday afternoon at Paradise Canyon, despite the low water levels.

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The location of the accident is a popular camping and swimming site a few miles south of Medina Lake.

Biggles was a linebacker for the O'Connor High School football team and his head coach, David Malesky, was shocked to hear the news.

"Josh was a great player, but more than that, he was a great kid. Very seldom did you not see him with a smile on his face, and he was always outgoing, and he always said something that would kind of lighten the mood," said Malesky.

Biggles was set to be a junior in the fall when school started.

"We knew when Josh was in middle school that he had a lot of ability and that ended up coming into play when he got to high school. He was even a freshman that played in every playoff game that we had," said Malesky.

According to Malesky, Joshua was swimming at Paradise Canyon with family and friends when he went under. 

Malesky spoke with Joshua's mother soon after her son's body was recovered.

"I was able to speak with Josh's mom for a little bit this afternoon on the phone. I said, 'You're not alone in this.' That's the only way I know is, that we have to get through this together," said Malesky.

Shortly after talking to KSAT, Malesky addressed the football team.

He said he wasn't sure what he would say to the players, but he knew they had to stick together and lean on their faith.

A vigil will be held Tuesday at O'Connor High School at 6 p.m in Joshua's memory. 


About the Authors
Bill Barajas headshot

Reporter, proud Houstonian, U of H alumni, and lover of all the hometown sport teams.

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