See full statement from the Guyana Police Force:
Police in Regional Division # 8 are investigating the alleged drowning of Bentley Joseph Jnr., a 16-year-old of Circuitville, Yarrowkabra, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, which occurred on Sunday September 20, 2026, in the Siparuni River, Region #8.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Joseph and several others had travelled from their camp to an area known as Tunnel to engage in mining activities.
On September 20, Joseph and his cousin were reportedly attempting to cross the Siparuni River on foot at an area known as Rock Bar. While crossing, Joseph reportedly fell into the rapidly flowing water and attempted to swim, but subsequently went under and did not resurface.
An alarm was raised and a search was conducted for Joseph. On Tuesday September 22, 2026, at about 06:24hrs, his body was found floating in the river.
Police ranks subsequently visited the area and examined the body. No marks of violence were observed and there was no indication of foul play.
Joseph’s body was transported to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor. It was subsequently taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.
Investigations are ongoing.
Source: INews Guyana
