I am feeling very sorry for the family who that kid belonged to. His family would be in so much pain right now.
To be honest, he was really stupid to lose his life for such a small amount. It's completely his mistake.
Being an educated person he should have been wise to not have swimmed across the river.
You're right when you say that we should never take bets which puts our lives at risk.
Some people can go to any extent without much thinking just for fun and thrill but it ends up badly for them.