Friends honor life of Lincoln teen who drowned in Holmes Lake

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A week after a 16-year-old drowned in Holmes Lake, friends came together Friday to honor his life and support his family.

Ali Al-Baaj was going to be a junior at Lincoln North Star High School.

Police said he was with family members at Holmes Lake on the night of June 13, when he decided to go swimming. He then disappeared into the water.

Madison Swenson, a family friend, said the Al-Baajes visited the lake frequently.

“A lot of times, just walking around the park was a big thing for the family,” she said.

Layla Omari, another friend, said she’s known Al-Baaj since childhood.

She recounted one of the last conversations they had.

“He was telling me how he wanted a graduation that was similar to mine and how he was looking forward to finishing school and actually being able to accomplish things with his life,” Omari said.

Ali was born and raised in Nebraska. Omari said he grew up on a farm in Raymond surrounded by animals.

His parents came to the U.S. in the ’90s as refugees from Iraq, and now his mom helps families like theirs.

“She has dedicated 20 years to serving the Lincoln refugee community and the community who needs help in general,” Omari said.

Both Omari and Swenson want to raise awareness about swimming in local lakes.

“It’s important to know your surroundings, to know the water you’re jumping into,” Omari said.

She also hopes the city adds more signs at Holmes Lake letting people know that swimming is not allowed.

The friends want to help the family with funeral expenses and put a headstone on Ali’s grave.

They have set up a GoFundMe page to help.