Candlelight memorial for Special Needs Youth who drowned

Residents of Sandy Bay and surrounding areas will be paying respect to a beloved son of the soil, whose body was recently fished out of the sea at Owia.

From 7:30 p.m on Monday, October 14, 2024, villagers will engage in a candle light vigil to celebrate the life of Rean Nero. The body of the 20 year old Sandy Bay resident was found floating in the sea at Owia last Tuesday, October 8, 2024.

Nero had developmental challenges, but was well loved by his community.

A post mortem was performed on the body on Wednesday, October 9, and concluded that the young man died as a result of drowning. A close relative of the deceased said an alarm was raised when Nero failed to return home on Monday night.

“He loved taking plywood to make trucks, that was his hobby.”

The relative explained that the young man would use the hand-made truck as a trolly, assisting others to carry their load.

“He would go out during the day, but would always be back home by night,” the relative said.

Rean was reportedly last seen on Monday evening at Big Sand Beach in

Sandy Bay with a tube. Later that day, his clothes were found on the said beach, but he was nowhere to be found. Relatives said Nero was a very jovial and friendly person .

“He was not rude and was always quick to assist others.”

Apart from making and “driving” his wooden trucks, Nero was also fond of the garbage trucks.

SEARCHLIGHT understands that on the day when garbage is collected in the area, Nero would put himself in place to ride on the truck and assist the garbage collectors. He was a past student of the School for Children with Special Needs in Georgetown and was well loved. On Monday night, villagers are expected to turn out in their numbers to celebrate the life of this special young man who was also known as ‘Penka.’

The vigil will begin at Pepper Village, and move through the streets of Sandy Bay, to an area known as Level Side.