EVANS MILLS — His friends called him "Robbie."

He was active in sports and school and was always the life of the party.

On Tuesday, Robert J. Horton, Evans Mills, died in an accident in Millsite Lake in the town of Theresa near Redwood.

"He was fun-loving and loved hanging out with his friends, which is clearly demonstrated by the outpouring of friends that are flying back home from around the country to be with us," said Robbie's father, Donald J. Horton, Evans Mills.

"It's so reassuring to know that so many kids cared about him so much. I think the thing about Robbie that stands out more than anything is that he always saw the best in people and never saw the worst."

Robbie, who was born Oct. 4, 1988, hit his head on the rock ledge of a cliff while swinging from a rope about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. The site is a popular swimming spot; the cliff is about 30 feet high. The water is about 30 feet deep close to land before it quickly drops to 60 feet deep or more. After Robbie hit his head, he fell into Millsite Lake and apparently drowned. (See obituary, B4.)

Robbie was a 2006 graduate of Indian River Central School, Philadelphia, and high school Principal Troy W. Decker said he made a huge impact at the school.

"He always had such a positive presence," Mr. Decker said. "He was always such a pleasure to be around. He would always add fun and enthusiasm and laughter to any situation. He always made you smile."

Robbie was involved in hockey, golf and soccer and always attended school functions, Mr. Decker said. His family also is involved in the school and community. His father coached his high school and community hockey teams for many years.

"He was so well-known here," Mr. Decker said about Robbie. "He had such a wide group of friends. He was not only known by his classmates, but also those older and younger than he was."

Robbie's brother, Kyle, graduated from Indian River this past Friday.

After high school, Robbie attended North County Community College, Saranac Lake, for one semester while he played soccer. He then attended Jefferson Community College in Watertown for three semesters. He was planning to move to Indiana in the fall with two friends to attend college and work.

"He was still trying to figure out what he wanted to do in life," his father said. "He had a couple different jobs around here, but worked mainly at Hicks Ice Plant in Theresa every summer."

Robbie's longtime friend, Meaghan R. Sands, 20, said he could make anyone smile.

"He would just do the weirdest things to make people laugh," she said. "He would do anything, really anything, for a friend."

Ms. Sands said Robbie was very laid back and was always trying to live life to the fullest.

"You can tell that by the way he died," she said. "It seems like it's not even real. Like any second he's just going to walk up and be like, 'What's up, guys?' It's hard to imagine that we're not going to see him or hear his voice anymore."

Many of Robbie's friends flocked to his MySpace.com page to pay their final respects.

One friend wrote: "Make sure you watch over us Robbie because everyone misses you and you will always be in our hearts always and forever. Love you robbie and you were a great friend."

Another friend wrote: " Robbie! This can't, this isn't, real. We were just together 2 days ago. I saw you with my own eyes, we were laughing we were smiling we were all having so much fun. I had so many memories with you...always the best memories. You were one of my VERY BEST FRIENDS!"