16-Year-Old Canton Boy Dies 2 Days After Tubing Accident

CANTON (WWJ) - A Canton teenager has died two days after a tubing accident in west Michigan.

The Muslim Community of Western Suburbs reported on website that 16-year-old Abid Malick died Tuesday.

Authorities say he fell out of his tube while on the Muskegon River with a youth group.

Malick had been camping with the group at the Cran-Hill Ranch near the city of Rodney, not far from Big Rapids, when the incident occurred under a foot bridge behind the Big Rapids Middle School near the mouth of Mitchell Creek.

He was rescued about 20 minutes later and airlifted to a Grand Rapids Hospital.

MLive reports Malick's sister has been vocal on Facebook, thanking the Canton community for its support and asking for continued prayers and duas — Muslim supplications — for her brother.

The following statement was posted to the MCWS website:

"We are deeply saddened with the loss of Abid Mallick. He was a sincere, genuine, very intelligent, good-hearted young man who was loved by his peers and elders alike. Even at such a young age, he was actively involved in community efforts as well as causes of social justice around the world. Abid will be tremendously missed by all and touched the hearts of so many.

"Communities in Michigan and far beyond it have come together to pray for him and his family. Last night's prayer gathering at the mosque was attended by over 500 people from all walks of life. The outpouring of love for this humble servant of ALLAH is a testament to his character and his family. May ALLAH bless Abid's soul and grant him the highest levels of Paradise. May HE grant Abid's family, friends, and loved ones strength and patience in this trying time. "

A funeral is planned for Thursday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m.  at MCWS, followed by burial at Knollwood Cemetery 1299 N Ridge Road in Canton.