Two dead in separate drownings

Two dead in separate drownings

One victim identified as Ethan Miller, 16

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Two young men reportedly drowned yesterday in separate incidents, one in New Providence and the other in Grand Bahama, according to authorities.

In the latest incident, police said officers were called to Lovers Beach in Hepburn Town shortly after 4 p.m. following reports that two men were riding a jet ski when they lost control.

One of the men managed to swim to shore, but the other drowned in the water, police said.

“Officers from the police marine section along with long residents assisted in retrieving the body from [the] water,” said Assistant Superintendent of Police Terecita Pinder, who appealed to the parents and guardians to be vigilant when supervising children on the beach.

“Police are investigating and appealing to the general public during the summer season and while enjoying our waters/beach to properly supervise young children and young adults who are unable to swim or are not strong swimmers and to always wear a life vest.”

Authorities also reported that around 3 p.m. a group of young juvenile males were swimming in waters at Long Wharf Beach, West Bay Street, when one of them appeared to be distressed and submerged.

He was retrieved from waters unconscious and was transported to hospital, but died a short while later, police said.

Relatives identified the teenager as Ethan Miller, 16.

Miller is the nephew of Bahamas Information Services Director General Kevin Harris.

Harris wrote on his Facebook page: “Sad news. My nephew Ethan Miller, age 16, has died.

“He apparently drowned today. We just buried my mom two weeks ago and now this.

“Ethan was the only child of my niece, Kim Harris, whom we affectionately call Kimmy.

“This is a rough one. Please keep my niece and Ethan’s father as well as his siblings in your prayers.”

There was an outpouring of sympathy and condolences on social media.

Senator Jennifer IsaacsDotson wrote, “My heartfelt condolences to Kimmy [and your] entire family. May God cover your family during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Former President of the Bahamas Hotel Catering and Allied Workers Union Nicole Martin also offered prayers and condolences to the family.

Authorities said an autopsy will be performed to confirm the exact cause of death.

 

 

 

 

 

About Royston Jones Jr.

Royston Jones Jr. is a senior digital reporter and occasional TV news anchor at Eyewitness News. Since joining Eyewitness News as a digital reporter in 2018, he has done both digital and broadcast reporting, notably providing the electoral analysis for Eyewitness News’ inaugural election night coverage, “Decision Now 2021”.