Teenager drowns in sea off Peruvian Vale

Teenager J’Quan Sam loved the beach, but sadly, the water claimed his life over the weekend.

The 18 year old who lived with relatives at Peruvian Vale, was found unresponsive on the beach in the area on Sunday afternoon.

He was assisted and transported to the Levi Latham Health Centre, where attempts were made to stabilize him.

The 18 year old was then transported to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, but subsequently died.

A post mortem examination is to be performed on the body to determine the cause of death.

Sam, an orphan was cared for by his aunt Evelyn Mc Kain, and her daughter Kemalia ‘Asha’ McMillian at their Peruvian Vale home.

Speaking to SEARCHLIGHT on Monday, Asha said Sam left home shortly after noon on Sunday, April 23 to go to the beach with friends.

“He loved the beach,” she remarked.

The caring cousin said it was reported to her, that while bathing in the sea, J’Quan and three of his friends got into difficulties.

Two of them managed to escape, but J’Quan and another friend were being pulled out by the strong currents.

Someone rushed to their assistance and was able to rescue the other youth, but J’Quan kept drifting further out to sea.

Asha said that J’Quan was eventually “fished” out of the water and attempts were made to resuscitate him.

She said he received CPR before being lifted and placed in a police vehicle which took him to the Levi Latham Health Centre in Mesopotamia.

He died a few hours later, at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

Asha told SEARCHLIGHT that she and her mom took care of J’Quan since he was two days old.

“We have had him since he came out of the hospital after he was born.”

Asha, who is a mother of three children, said J’Quan was much more than just a cousin to her.

“His parents died when he was young, and I raised him like my own biological child.

“I feel like I was his mom, and his death has left me with a big void.”

With J’Quan’s demise Asha said the family has not been able to sleep since Sunday when the drowning incident happened.

In describing the deceased youth, Asha said J’Quan was fun loving and caring.

Persons on social media also said that he was very humble and helpful.

J’Quan was expected to take up a job soon.