The worst fears of a Number Nine Village, West Coast Berbice family were confirmed after the body of Akeem Mangar, a student of President’s College, was pulled from a canal in the Village at 10:15h on Sunday. Police in Berbice confirmed the lad’s death is being treated as a drowning incident, as there were no marks of violence on the body. Preliminary investigations suggested that there was no foul play involved. Reports are that young Mangar and some other teenagers were in the midst of enjoying their school holiday vacation by catching crabs on the foreshore on Saturday afternoon. However, tragedy unfolded upon the youngsters when they had reportedly attempted to cross the canal. Media reports noted that Mangar’s friends tried to rescue him, but could not prevent his drowning. Reports indicate that all those present at the drowning site were questioned by Police. Mangar’s parents, Parbatan Mangar and Jennel Semple were overcome with emotion on the removal of their son’s body out of the canal on Sunday. The removal of the lad’s body by boat operators was broadcast live on a social media website. The President’s College student would have turned 15 next month.
