JEMEL Thompson, 22, who met his demise while picnicking with Qualfon employees at the Blue Lake Creek in Linden on Sunday, April 6, died from drowning, according to the post-mortem performed at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

It was reported that the group of some 45 persons had gone on a picnic at the lake and were having an enjoyable time, but later a young man who was said to be under the influence of alcohol was not in sight and it was surmised that he may have fallen into the creek which was below a hill. Responding promptly to the apparent emergency, Thompson and another friend who were considered good swimmers plunged into the creek, but after swimming half way the friend turned back after he sensed some danger.
Another friend Tisheree Hopkinson who was at the creek told this publication that she saw when Thompson’s body began sinking. She immediately alerted the other friend who was in the water about the incident and he turned back, swimming with a passion to try saving Thompson, but his body had already disappeared.
About one hour after he disappeared, Thompson’s body was found and he had no signs of a heartbeat or pulse. In the meantime, the young man who had a fall was found alive with minor injuries.

(By Asif Hakim)