Police are currently investigating a tragic river incident that resulted in the death of Damion Fredericks, also known as “Smirf,” on Monday night. The mishap occurred around 10:30 PM near Jacklow in the Lower Pomeroon River.
Reports indicate that Fredericks and two other men, Shane Narine and Joseph Melville, had been consuming alcohol earlier in the evening at a local club before departing for another location in Charity, Essequibo Coast. The men left in separate boats; Melville stated that Narine and Fredericks were together in a wooden balahoo powered by a 40hp Yamaha outboard engine, which Narine owned and operated.
According to Melville, after retrieving his boat from a relative, he was crossing the Jacklow River when his vessel was struck on the left side, causing it to capsize and throwing him into the water.
Roland Ramdeen, a 41-year-old boat builder, reported hearing a loud noise from the river while watching television. He launched his boat to investigate and upon arrival, discovered two damaged boats. He found Narine and Fredericks in one of the vessels, both exhibiting facial and head injuries. Fredericks was unresponsive, while Narine was conscious and in severe pain.
Ramdeen rushed Narine to the Charity Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition before being transferred to Suddie Public Hospital. Fredericks was transported separately by relatives to the Charity Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His body has been moved to the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Melville was also examined at the hospital and has since been taken into police custody as investigations continue. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being explored, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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