‘Heartbreaking’: Boise teenager dies abroad in kayaking accident
A former Boise High School student died abroad this week in a kayaking accident.
Campbell Kowalczyk drowned Tuesday while kayaking in Lofer, Austria, Boise High School Principal Deb Watts said in an email to parents.
“This is heartbreaking news and may be difficult for students who knew him,” Watts said. “Our thoughts are with Campbell’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
In a social media post on Wednesday, Mateo Kowalczyk, 19, said he was “deeply grateful for the 17 years” he had with his brother Campbell.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better brother,” Mateo said. “If you knew Campbell like I did, you saw the hilarious, loving kid, that always had your back.”
Mateo, who is also from Boise, is a competitive kayaker. He came in second place in the junior men’s freestyle kayaking category at the ICF Canoe Freestyle World Championships in Germany in June.
“I’ll see you downstream brother,” Mateo wrote.
Watts said that students would be informed of Campbell’s death during the first couple hours of school on Wednesday morning.
This story was originally published April 1, 2026 at 11:57 AM.
