schools
Family seeks answers after witnesses say high school student died from ‘drinking too much’ on graduation trip
By Raven Little, Akim Powell at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) - A family in Mississippi is seeking answers after a 19-year-old died on a trip to Florida days after graduating from high school.On May 15, Shannon Tanner graduated from Columbia Academy. His family says he was known to light up a room and talk to anyone who woul...
Key takeaway (WDAM/Gray News) - A family in Mississippi is seeking answers after a 19-year-old died on a trip to Florida days after graduating from high school.
Why this matters in The Laredo
The tragic death of a young man on a graduation trip to Florida raises questions about the supervision and safety of local students during celebratory events. While this incident occurred outside of Laredo , it serves as a stark reminder for parents, educators, and chaperones in our community to be vigilant about the risks associated with underage drinking. As Laredo's own students prepare for graduation and summer celebrations, the importance of responsible adult supervision and open communication about the dangers of excessive drinking cannot be overstated. The establishment of a nonprofit like Families Against Underage Drinking, as proposed by the victim's family, could be a valuable resource for Laredo families and schools seeking to educate students about the risks of underage drinking and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in our own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM/Gray News) - A family in Mississippi is seeking answers after a 19-year-old died on a trip to Florida days after graduating from high school.On May 15, Shannon Tanner graduated from Columbia Academy. His family says he was known to light up a room and talk to anyone who woul...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Raven Little, Akim Powell at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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