COLLEGE COMMUNITY SADDENED BY ‘UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT’
April 9, 2024, Port Antonio:
The College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) is confirming that one of its students drowned today, Tuesday, April 9. Dead is Demario Jones of Snow Hill, Portland.
Another student who tried to save him was treated at hospital.
The North Coast Times can report that Principal of the college in Portland, Dr Derrick Deslandes sent out a release to the media Tuesday afternoon, April 9, giving details on the incident. He described it as “an unfortunate incident” and said the college had learnt of it with “profound sadness.”
According to the Principal, sometime around 11 a.m., a group of students went swimming at one of the two beaches on the west campus of the College.
Reports are that Demario Jones, a second-year student, encountered difficulty while swimming. Karim Morgan, who is a certified lifeguard and also a second-year student attempted to rescue him.
“ Mr. Jones subsequently went missing in the water and his body later washed onto the shore. The Portland Police, Health and Fire Departments were immediately called and both students taken to the Port Antonio Hospital. Sadly, Mr. Jones was pronounced dead at the Port Antonio Hospital and Mr. Morgan is currently undergoing treatment,” the statement said.
He said the college community was deeply saddened.
Dr Deslandes said “We are doing everything we can to support his family, friends and the staff and student community at CASE.”
The release said “The college has immediately enacted its trauma and grief counselling teams and the Ministry of Education and Youth has been duly notified. The Ministry has also provided additional counselling support.”
