17-Year-old Drowns After Jumping into Belize River

The community of Lord’s Bank Village is still reeling following the death of seventeen-year-old Caleb Bradley. Reports are that Bradly and a group of friends had visited the Belize River for an afternoon swim, but things took a turn for the worst when the group realized that Bradley had not resurfaced from the water. What ensued was an all-night search mission for Bradley and a heartbreaking discovery that would leave family, friends, and neighbors devastated. News Five’s Britney Gordon reports.

 

Britney Gordon, Reporting

Tonight, the village of Lord’s Bank is in mourning after a tragic accident claimed the life of seventeen-year-old Caleb Bradley. What was meant to be a carefree afternoon with friends turned into a nightmare on Wednesday when Caleb jumped into the Belize River and never came back up. According to police, it took about ten minutes before anyone realized something was wrong. His friends immediately began searching the water, but their efforts came up short. Police arrived on the scene around 4:25 p.m., but by then, Caleb was still missing. The Belize Coast Guard was also contacted, but due to the timing, they didn’t respond. As night fell, the search didn’t stop. Family, friends, and neighbors joined forces, combing the riverbank through the early morning hours. Just before 7:30 a.m. today, a volunteer made the heartbreaking discovery, Caleb’s body had been found. Now, the community is not only grieving but also demanding answers. Why wasn’t more help sent when it was needed most? Police have launched an investigation, and we’ll continue to follow this story as it develops. Britney Gordon for News Five.