Yesterday, at about 07:45hrs, the body of Adiel Thomas was found floating at Rock Stone, Essequibo River, 20 feet away from the Mosura Island.
Police ranks who visited the scene, observed the body faced down in the water, clad in a grey jersey, and a blue three-quarter pants.
An examination by a crime scene rank was done, and the body was checked for marks of violence. However, none was seen. The body was then transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where an official pronouncement of death was given.
Thomas’ body is presently at the G. Jetsco funeral home awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Thomas, 18, a student of 14th Avenue Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, was among several friends who travelled to Linden for the Town Week celebrations on May 6. On arrival, they decided to visit Rockstone for a site-seeing expedition. They hired a boat and went further to Mosura Island, where they took photographs.
It is alleged that Thomas decided to take a swim in the river and even invited his friends to join him. However, they declined, so he proceeded into the river alone and began swimming to the deeper part.
His friends claimed that they were conversing while he was swimming, and after a few minutes, they turned to look for him but did not see him.
An alarm was immediately raised but they received no response.
The incident was then reported to the police, and a search party was formed.
