A rising University sophomore who drowned in a quarry last week loved music and spending time with friends, his parents said.

Ian Creath, 18, of Chapel Hill, had declared his major as psychology, though his stepfather said he was still exploring other majors.

He went swimming with a friend in the quarry at Eno River State Park in Durham on July 11, said Charlie Peek public information officer for N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

He cried out for help once and then slipped under the water around 7:30 p.m. while trying to retrieve a raft that was 40 to 50 yards offshore, Peek said.

He said swimming is allowed in the quarry, but it's discouraged.

"It's somewhat dangerous, as all quarries are for swimming," Peek said.

Shawn Bailey described her son as intelligent and caring.

"He loved people. He wanted to make a difference in someone's life," she said.

"There have been some students who said, 'He literally changed my life'," Bailey said, adding that she thinks her son was "headed for a service job" because of how much he enjoyed helping other people.

She also said Creath was spontaneous and had a great sense of humor.

"He'd collect his friends at four in the morning and go out and play in the rain," Bailey said.

Creath liked to read, write, play soccer and play the bass. He was in a band, and he planned to write for the Cellar Door in the fall.

Creath's stepfather, Robert Bailey, said his stepson could spend hours listening to music online

"He had more than 50 favorite bands," he said.

Creath loved UNC, Robert Bailey added.

"He liked being with people; he had a lot of friends."

Creath often spent time with his girlfriend, who goes to college in Asheville.

About 500 people came to Creath's funeral on Friday at Chapel Hill Bible Church.

Shawn Bailey said her son enjoyed visiting the quarry where he died.

"The quarry brought him such peace," she said. "It was almost spiritual."

Shawn Bailey said she went to the quarry on Sunday.

"I felt very close to Ian while I was there," she said.

She added that she was glad to have a place where she could go to remember her son.

Shawn Bailey said she plans to have a birthday celebration for Creath on July 31st - what would have been his 19th Birthday.