It’s understandable when a promising young life is cut short, as with Bryan Stanchina, to question how and why this all came to pass.

Stanchina, 17, drowned June 13 in the Menominee River after jumping in to help a friend caught in the swift current. He was not the only one to go in. Tragically, he was the only one not to come out until his body was recovered later that day.

We — in theory, at least — are by nature rational beings, though admittedly colored by emotion. We tend to seek explanations, especially when presented with such a gut-punch of a loss, when the question “Why?” rises to a primal scream.

But answers won’t come easy in this case, even to those whose religious beliefs might provide some guidance.

Given such circumstances, it’s common to resort to finger-pointing in reaching for those answers. A natural reaction but usually not helpful.

Yes, these teens were swimming in waters swollen by heavy rains less than two days earlier. Yes, perhaps they should have stayed away from the river.

In such cases, it’s tempting to indulge in hindsight and “what if’s,” if only to get a brief glimpse at an alternative reality in which Stanchina remains here, still prepping for the football season, still ready to enjoy his senior year at Norway High School.

But even in the midst of grief, it should be realized the margin here between everything turning out just fine — perhaps those involved get to tell their children and grandchildren about the power of the river that day — and what ended up happening was very slim.

We likely all have had lapses in judgement, when we look back and say, “What was I thinking?” Or realize we weren’t thinking at all.

In most cases, embarrassment is the only price paid for such missteps. This time, the cost was far greater. Still, it’s important to put this in context.

Young people often live with reckless abandon, pushing boundaries those of us who are older tend to say we’ve gained enough wisdom to avoid — but if pressed likely would admit we’d love to be able to experience again, to feel young.

Trying to find something or someone to blame for this will only prolong the pain. It’s better to help those involved heal than cast stones.

Ultimately, the worst result that could come from Bryan Stanchina’s sacrifice would be to become mired in depression or recrimination. It would negate all Stanchina seemed to represent in his community and school, including those last moments when he jumped into the Menominee River.

We, be it classmates or community, can best honor and remember Stanchina by making our lives as full and productive as possible.