Monroe College student Kamal Reynolds found dead at St. Thomas beach

The body of 16-year-old Monroe College student Kamal Reynolds was recovered from the sea at Chalet Beach in St. Thomas on Thursday. He drowned after a powerful current carried him away while he was swimming with members of his school’s football team.

Police reported that Reynolds was among approximately six footballers who visited the beach during a break from training. The Monroe College team was in St. Thomas for a football camp at South Haven in Yallahs.

One of Reynolds’ teammates attempted to reach him after he was swept farther from shore. However, the turbulent water prevented the teammate from completing the rescue. Strong waves and hazardous currents had affected the area for several days.

Personnel from the St. Thomas Marine Division and the Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard later began searching for the teenager. The operation had to be halted when the weather and sea conditions worsened. On Thursday, reports emerged that the student’s body had been seen in the water, prompting a resident to enter the rough sea and bring it ashore.

The resident said he was preparing to eat breakfast when he received the call. He immediately gathered his gear, obtained additional equipment from his brother and went to assist. As a parent, he said he understood the family’s anguish and the importance of recovering the body so relatives could pay their final respects.

Reynolds’ mother subsequently travelled to St. Thomas and identified her son’s body. She was overcome with grief and did not speak with the news team. Monroe College representatives who had accompanied the football team were also present but declined to comment.

The circumstances surrounding the students’ departure from the training camp have since come under scrutiny. Sources indicated that the boys went to the beach without the knowledge of the adult responsible for supervising the team.