panama

Sixteen-year-old Bahamian student Madeline Thompson died in Panama while attending an international robotics competition.

The tragedy sparked national grief, as Panama police continue to investigate, and Prime Minister Philip Davis offered condolences to the family.

She was described as “bright” and “kindhearted” and a dedicated volunteer at her church’s soup kitchen.

What happened

According to Panamanian media reports, Madeline fell from the 27th floor of the Megapolis Hotel in Panama City early Friday morning.

Security footage reportedly recorded the incident around 6:05 a.m., showing the fall from the upper floor. Her body was later found on the 12th floor near the hotel’s pool area.

She was staying at the Megapolis with her parents and other Bahamian students taking part in a global robotics convention, which drew participants from nearly 200 countries.

Panama police investigation

Panama police told The Tribune that investigations are ongoing and that no determination has been made as to whether foul play was involved.

Authorities said they are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses as part of the inquiry.

They decline to say whether or not someone else was in the room at the time of the incident.

Prime Minister Philip Davis’ reaction

Prime Minister Philip Davis expressed heartbreak over the student’s death, offering condolences to her parents, classmates, and school community.

He described the loss as “unimaginable.”

“Her light brought warmth to many and will be deeply missed. Ann and I pray that God grants her family strength and comfort in the days ahead, and that her memory lives on as a reminder of the goodness, promise, and hope that define the best of our Bahamian youth.”

What’s next

Officials in Panama are expected to release additional findings once the investigation concludes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with Panamanian authorities to assist Madeline’s family.

Panamanian media have reported that a Bahamian student died tragically on Friday, falling from the 27^th floor of a hotel.

The incident reportedly occurred at a hotel in the Balboa Avenue area where the 16-year-old stayed with others. The student was among participants from more than 190 countries attending the global robotics event.

While further details have not been released, El Siglo media reported that the incident occurred early morning, around 6.05 am, according to security cameras, when she landed on the 12th floor of the hotel near a hotel pool.

The victim reportedly travelled with her parents and shared a room with another student.

More than 190 countries were represented at this global robotics competition.

Director General Jerusa Lea Dean Ali confirmed the incident to the Bahamas media, “It’s really a tragedy. We are in contact with the organizers of the event. It was a robotic event for school-aged children. We are also in contact honorary counsel in Panama, who spoke with Panamanian officials and the family. We don’t tend to make public these matters because we respect the rights of the family members. We do our best to stay in touch with family and submit queries through official channels so that there is no delay.”

Featured Image: The Robotic Convention, where nearly 200 countries were represented.