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Poole sacrificed it all in a courageous attempt to save fellow 17-year-old Livingston High School senior Isabella Brodsky when she was overcome by the tumultuous waters of Ramapo Lake during Tuesday's rainstorm.
Both died.
More than $33,000 had been raised as of Thursday morning for Poole's family on a GoFundMe page, where the teen is being hailed a hero for his act of bravery.
He and Brodsky were mourned during a vigil outside the school Wednesday night.
"Matt was a great friend and an overall outstanding person," Allison Foster wrote. "If only he knew how many people loved him."
Poole played on Livingston High School's football team, the Lancers.
"He was such a kind and loving young man," said his English teacher, Charissa Sorrentino.
"I remember how happy and proud he was when he became an Uncle. He was a joy."
Poole is survived by his mother, father, brother, sister and niece, along with several aunts, uncles and cousins.
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