Adriana Younge’s drowning: No evidence of foul play – Canadian expert finds; no evidence of restraint, struggle, removal & return of body

The death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final post-mortem report submitted to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) by a team of three internationally accredited pathologists. The young girl’s body was discovered on April 24 in the swimming pool of the now gutted Double Day International Hotel, just a day after she was reported missing. Despite her family’s insistence that the pool had been searched multiple times and their concerns regarding potential foul play, the forensic experts have concluded that Adriana’s death was consistent with drowning and bore no evidence of trauma, sexual assault, or criminal activity.

The post-mortem report also aligns with findings investigation by Leonard McCoshan, a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer, who stated there was “no evidence of foul play by persons named or unnamed during the investigation.”
According to a statement from GPF, the comprehensive autopsy, which included toxicology and DNA analysis, found that there were “no signs of acute trauma or physical injury, ethanol levels consistent with postmortem decomposition, no evidence of sexual assault, skin and airway changes consistent with prolonged submersion and no signs of restraint or the body being removed and returned”.
Investigators now believe Adriana likely sank to the bottom of the pool after drowning and surfaced later as decomposition caused the body to rise, a process well-documented in tropical climates.
The police are currently finalising their case file, which will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal review. While the case has generated significant public scrutiny and emotional outpouring, the police force has reiterated its commitment to transparency and justice.
In a statement, the GPF extended condolences to Adriana’s family and acknowledged the grief that has followed this deeply distressing event.
These developments follow the confirmation of a second autopsy investigation to be performed on Younge’s body in the United States (US).
On Monday, the body of 11-year-old Adriana Younge arrived in the US for a second autopsy – even after three international pathologists – conducted by a team of three internationally recognised pathologists, including Dr Glenn Rudner, Dr Gary Collins, and Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul – have already pronounced that the child died as a result of drowning.

2nd autopsy
The child’s remains were flown out of Georgetown via the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). The flight made its first stop in Miami before continuing to Atlanta, where two US-based pathologists will conduct another forensic review. The family has sought the second autopsy after rejecting the findings of three internationally recognised pathologists – one of whom they themselves had requested and the Government of Guyana flew in at their request.

Public terror
What began as calls for justice in April escalated into chaos as protest actions were hijacked by criminal elements, who ignited roadways, looted businesses, and terrorised communities across Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD), West Bank Demerara (WBD), East Coast Demerara (ECD), Berbice, and other areas.
Following swift police operations and nationwide arrests, dozens of accused individuals have appeared before various Magistrates, including Senior Magistrate Fabyo Azore, to face indictable charges of terrorism under the Criminal Law (Offences) Act.
According to the GPF, over 100 persons have been arrested in relation to the unrest, and more individuals are likely to be charged in the coming days.
Under the Act, persons can be fined no less than $500,000, and would be imprisoned for no less than 10 years nor more than 15 years.
Under the law, anyone who conspires or attempts to commit or advocates, aids and abets; or advises or incites; or knowingly facilitates the commission of a terrorist act, or commits an offence, shall be punished for the offence as if s/he had been guilty as an offender.

See full statement from the Guyana Police Force

The Guyana Police Force wishes to confirm that the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final post-mortem report submitted today by the three internationally renowned Pathologists to investigators.

Younge’s body was discovered on April 24, 2025, in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel. The certified findings from the autopsy confirmed that her death was consistent with drowning, and no evidence of trauma, assault, or any other criminal activity was found.

Moreover, the above findings support an earlier report submitted by Mr. Leonard McCoshan (retired) Royal Canadian Mounted Police investigator who concluded that there is “no evidence of foul play by persons named or unnamed during the investigation.”

Adriana, a female of mixed ancestry, was reportedly last seen by her grandmother at approximately 13:01 hours on April 23, 2025, in the hotel’s swimming pool. Her body was found floating in the same pool the following morning.

Upon learning of the incident, the Guyana Police Force launched a thorough investigation. The child’s family raised several concerns, citing her ability to swim and alleging the possibility of sexual assault, forced drowning elsewhere, and ritualistic activity. These concerns were taken seriously and fully explored in collaboration with forensic experts.

A comprehensive postmortem examination, including toxicology and DNA testing, was carried out. Key findings include:
● No signs of acute injury or trauma were present.

● Toxicology results showed ethanol levels consistent with postmortem decomposition.

● Sexual assault kit and DNA analysis for potential suspects were negative.

● Skin and airway changes were in line with prolonged submersion and drowning.

● There was no evidence of restraint, struggle, removal, and return of the body.

The Pathologists concluded that Adriana Younge drowned, likely sank to the bottom of the pool, and later surfaced due to natural decomposition processes common in tropical climates.

The detectives are currently preparing the investigative case file for submission to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for her perusal and legal opinion.

The Guyana Police Force extends heartfelt condolences to the Younge family and remains committed to transparency and justice.