UPDATE: Cause of death in Younge case in Guyana reported as drowning

The attorney representing the family of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, whose remains were discovered in a swimming pool at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, Guyana, last Thursday, announced on Monday evening that the cause of death was drowning. This was reported recently in a Jamaica Observer article.

“Based on the findings, they determined that she died by drowning,” stated attorney Darren Wade during a virtual press briefing.

“The pathologists conducted a meticulous and comprehensive examination. In fact, they went beyond the standard procedures typically followed in such cases,” he further explained.

Subrian Younge, the girl’s father, has confirmed the findings of the forensic autopsy, noting that both he and Adriana’s mother, Amecia Simon, were informed by the pathologists that her death was due to drowning. “They say is drowning… and to me that is no result,” he expressed.

The article goes on to state that the autopsy was performed by Dr. Glenn A. Rudner, a forensic pathologist from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, alongside Dr. Shubhakar Karra Paul, an internationally appointed pathologist from Barbados, and Dr. Gary L. Collins, chief medical examiner for the State of Delaware, who was designated by the Younge family to represent their interests. The family’s doctor, Dr. Caleb McCloggan, also observed the autopsy, which lasted for at least four hours. Wade noted that the team worked “in tandem”, and shared that they did a ” thorough” job.

Regarding the dark marks observed on Adriana’s face and limbs, the article states that the lawyer revealed that the forensic pathologists indicated these were due to water-related trauma. He mentioned that no broken bones were found and no signs of inflicted injuries were detected on the body.

Wade added that the body showed signs of decomposition. He noted that there was no conclusion made about the location of her drowning, mentioning that the forensic experts “did not observe cotton wool at that stage” during their examination.

The Observer also reports that the family continues to urge state officials for an “independent and impartial investigation” and Wade expressed hope that the Guyanese government would agree to their request for the involvement of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in the investigation.

“I believe it is critical at this point in time for the family and the entire country that the state acts; that the President (Irfaan Ali) doesn’t just talk but he delivers based on that promise to the family,” he stated.

President Ali is anticipated to address the media later on Monday night, said the article.