NEWARK, N.Y. -- A 17-year-old who died after he was stabbed Friday night is remembered by educators in Sodus for "the love, loyalty, and compassion he showed to his family and friends."

The death of Zackary Dwello, a senior at Sodus High School, is under investigation as a homicide.

When police arrived near Perkins Park in Newark, officers found Dwello unresponsive next to his car. Village and state police are investigating, but did not initially release many details about why Dwello was in Newark that night.

A statement from the Sodus school district reads, in part:

"Zackary was best known for the love, loyalty, and compassion he showed to his family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and was known for his quick wit. Zackary had the unique ability to connect with children and make them laugh. Children loved and adored him. He was an avid car lover and enjoyed his time behind the wheel. He will be deeply missed by our school community."

Dwello is the second homicide victim from that school in a matter of weeks. In an unrelated case, fellow senior Alyssa Taft was fatally stabbed on November 2. Deputies in Wayne County say she was lured to a home on Boyd Road under the pretense of being repaid money by an ex-boyfriend.