A 15-year-old boy is believed to have drowned on Wednesday afternoon in Alligator Pond. The river, located in southern Manchester, is an area that has seen several similar tragedies over the years, and its latest victim is a student from the neighbouring parish of St Elizabeth.
The deceased has been identified as Kemar Dixon, who resided in the Myersville district. According to police reports, the incident occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. when Dixon and several other teenagers were reportedly swimming. Investigators said the group was in a section commonly known by residents as “River” when Dixon suddenly began experiencing difficulties.
Witnesses indicated that he went beneath the surface and did not immediately resurface, prompting concern among those nearby. Moments later, rescuers went into the water for the teen, and he was eventually found and pulled from the river.
Emergency responders were alerted, and the teen was transported to the hospital. He was pronounced dead when he arrived. Images circulating online following the incident appear to show Dixon after his body was retrieved from the water.
In the photos, the teenager is seen lying near the riverbank fully clothed, suggesting he may have entered the water without shedding any of his garments. Officers and onlookers are near the teen, who appears lifeless. Unverified claims circulating on social media also suggest that Dixon was sent out by his mother, and he may have been on his way to visit his father at the time of the incident.
However, investigators have not confirmed that account. Over the years, several people have lost their lives at the location where the drowning occurred. Most drowning incidents have been recorded during weekends and public holidays when large groups gather to cool off in rivers.
In August 2023, the water claimed the lives of two swimmers. In another incident, a well-known community member rescued several people who were in distress in the water. He was praised publicly, but his own life was cut short a week later. Reports say the hero drowned in the same river upstream in Alligator Pond. Investigations into the latest incident remain ongoing.
