EDENVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- A graduation party ended in tragedy when a Bullock Creek High School junior died after his car rolled into the Tittabawassee River.

It happened early Friday morning after Trent Ripper, 17, attended a party in Edenville Township.

Authorities believe Ripper was asleep in his car when he hit the stick shift, causing the car to roll into the water.

Emergency crews and the dive team were called to the scene near North Water and Curtis roads just after 5 a.m.

Ripper was found unresponsive at the scene.

The Midland County Sheriff's Department said ripper's car, a red Honda, was submerged in about 3 feet of water in the river when first responders found him.

He was taken to the Mid-Michigan Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Grief counselors were on hand at the high school Friday, helping students cope with the loss of their classmate.

Bullock Creek's graduation ceremonies will go on as scheduled at 8 p.m. Friday.