The 16-year-old boy who died Friday at Woodbine Beach as he attempted to help a mother and son in distress was a student at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in Scarborough, according to Toronto District School Board.

The board said Kyle Howard-Muthulingam had just completed Grade 11 in the performing arts program.

“Kyle was a good, well rounded student, and excelled in dance and drama in particular,” wrote the TDSB in a note sent to its community Tuesday afternoon.

“He was a generally kind and well liked young man who was always willing to help others. Indeed he was trying to assist others in need on Friday when this tragedy occurred. Kyle will be surely missed by our students and staff.”

On Wednesday at 11 a.m., the board will open the Scarborough school for members of the community to pay tribute to the Howard-Muthulingam, a TDSB spokesperson told the Star.

Police said the teen was among multiple people who dove into the lake to offer support after a mother and her son had called for help.

Emergency services later found him with no vital signs. He was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Howard-Muthulingam’s classmate and close friend Christian Markland described him as a selfless person.

“I’ve never seen him put his needs before anyone else’s,” he said, remembering how he’d often buy food for his friends, lend them his lunch money, walk them to the bus stop and make them laugh.

Howard-Muthulingam was known for his love of his friends and family, Markland said.

“I remember whenever Christmas or Mother’s Day came up, he would always be talking about how he can’t buy lunch because he’s saving up to buy his mother something,” he said.

Markland said he’ll remember his friend for his enthusiasm and hyperactivity, a personality that always made him stand out wherever he was. He was also fearless, and never scared to be himself, he added.

“It didn’t surprise me that he died trying to save people from drowning,” he said. “It’s like I told people at his memorial on Saturday night, he died the way he lived: fearlessly, and helping someone in need.”

A GoFundMe page appears to have been set up to help pay for Howard-Muthulingam’s funeral.

The page describes him as an only child with a dashing personality, kind spirit, loving soul and charming smile.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

“The untimely passing of Kyle has left his entire family feeling heartbroken and empty,” it reads.

“Kyle, you were such an amazing young man filled with so much life and promise. You are so loved and will be greatly missed. We love you and know that you are continuing to make people laugh and smile in the promised land.”