–had drug abuse problems

THE bloated and decomposed body of 25-year-old Tyrone Watts, who went missing from his home since Friday, was found in the Lama Canal (Blacka) yesterday morning by residents who had gone there for a swim.

Aunt of the deceased, Coretta Eastman told this publication yesterday that her nephew was staying with her at her Lot 47 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown home, but returned to his mother’s place in Cummings Lodge.
She explained that Watts was experiencing some domestic problems with his mom and stepfather because of his ‘smoking habits’.
She added that Watts was even taken by his mother, Simone McPherson, to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) Psychiatric Ward where he was an inmate for two days and was on medication for drug abuse.
The relative added that on Friday, Watts was at his mother’s place when they had a row and he reportedly scaled the fence and left the Cummings Lodge residence for an unknown destination.
The woman said that since then they have been looking for him and it was only after they read the news that a body was found in the ‘Blacka’ that they journeyed to the scene and their worst fears were confirmed.
She stated that the body was swollen and was in an advanced state of decomposition but could not say if there were marks of violence. However, she is of the opinion that he may have taken his own life.
Although Watts was described as a good swimmer, relatives could not say how he may have ended up there and the circumstance surrounding his death remains a mystery.
They are hoping that the post-mortem may answer some of their questions.
Watts was a male nurse attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital in Berbice, and had attempted suicide three years ago by ingesting some tablets.
His expectant girlfriend is residing at his mother’s place, and she too could not believe that Watts may have taken his own life.
Watts was described as a fun-loving and educated person, who was down-to-earth until he began abusing drugs and had expressed the desire to return home to live with his mother prior to his demise.

(By Michel Outridge)