Rene Figueroa’s brightest moment on the basketball court came when he scored a school record 47 points.

But afterward he preferred to celebrate his team’s victory over a team they hadn’t beaten in two decades.

“He was always there for everybody,” said Brandon Stilitino, who played with Figueroa on the basketball team. “A great teammate.”

The 21-year-old, whose death over the weekend shocked the Panther Valley community, was known to most people for his accomplishments on the court.

But for those who knew him off the court, his personality had an even greater impact.

Figueroa’s family, friends and classmates gathered Tuesday night to share stories about his life on a beach at Lake Hauto in Rush Township.

His body was recovered from the lake Sunday, two days after he was reported missing in the water, and four days after his 21st birthday. Witnesses said that he reportedly jumped from a boat into the lake. The Pennsylvania State Police said the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is investigating the incident. The agency’s communications director said Tuesday night that it had no information to release.

The shared reaction to Figueroa’s death has been one of disbelief, especially because he was a person who had endless energy and positivity.

“We were all holding out hope. You can’t imagine a life being taken that young,” said classmate Katlyn Reimer.

Figueroa was well-known in the Panther Valley and the close-knit community in Allentown where he spent his childhood.

The 5-foot-7 point guard was the greatest boys’ basketball player in program history, his coach Patrick Crampsie said.

Though he was a star athlete, he didn’t show any elitism toward his classmates.

“He never acted above anyone, even though he stood out in basketball and football,” said Mark Kokinda.

Figueroa was beloved by his family and neighbors in Allentown, who he visited regularly. When they felt down, he would find something to make them laugh.

Kayla Beniquez knew him from the time he was born. She recalled that the last time she saw him, he dressed up as the Easter Bunny for the children in their community.

“All the kids were trying to hug him and get his attention,” she said.

Classmates recalled his confidence and ability to light up a room with a song, dance or smile. If he could tell someone was upset, he would do something funny to try to cheer them up.

When he was a freshman he had friends who were seniors. When he was a senior, he had friends who were freshmen.

“He’d have the ability to go outside his circle and check on everybody else,” said Alanna Bednar, a 2022 graduate.

As a basketball player he transformed the program, Crampsie said. As he pushed the team forward on the court, the school’s “Black Hole” cheering section took on his charisma and vitality. He would shoot hoops with special ed students and give them high-fives when he scored. He was a hero for local elementary basketball players.

“I know how devastated everyone here is. Tonight is a night to remember that vibrant, charismatic, one-of-a-kind personality that made Rene so lovable to all of us,” Crampsie said.