tragedy

Tears flowed and hymns filled the sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Grand Bahama, where family and friends gathered not only to mourn the loss of Joshua Rolle but to celebrate the life of a man many described as a friend, a father and a presence that could never be forgotten.

For some, the pain was overwhelming.

As loved ones approached his open casket, emotions poured out. His daughter cried, “O God, O God,” struggling to catch her breath as she faced the reality of saying goodbye.

Others stood in silence, overcome by grief.

They were visibly heartbroken.

But woven through the tears were memories of a man who brought joy to those around him.

Friend Lynden Lundy remembered Joshua in a social media post as “a giant of a man, a true friend.”

Joshua, a security officer and father of three, died last month in Grand Bahama after being struck by a flatbed tow truck while walking home after work.

He had just completed his final shift at LaRoc Bar and Grill and was walking along Coral Road near Indiana Lane shortly after 10 p.m. when the tragedy struck.

The loss came during an already painful season for Joshua’s family. He had been mourning the passing of his sister and was expected to sing at her funeral.

But those who knew Joshua said he would be remembered for his warmth and friendliness.

During the service, a minister reminded mourners that although Joshua was absent from the body, he was present with the Lord.

He encouraged family and friends to allow the joy of their memories to eventually replace the pain of their loss.

The choir lifted the atmosphere with hymns including “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” reminding mourners of faith, comfort and hope.

“Brother Joshua has done his work,” Reverend Keith Russell told those gathered.

“Jesus is coming again and every eye will see him, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord.”

He encouraged those grieving to reflect on their own lives and ensure that the things they do have lasting meaning.

“The Lord will evaluate the lives we have lived in the flesh,” he said. “Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

As Joshua was laid to rest at Grand Bahama Memorial Park, the heartbreak of losing him was felt deeply.

His daughter held tightly onto the coffin as family and friends prepared to say their final goodbye.

With voices raised in song, loved ones sang: “Goodbye Brother Joshua, take your rest. Lay your head upon the Savior’s breast.”

Featured images: Paparazzi Lundy

Just weeks after one of the most traumatic experiences a child could endure, 12-year-old Dexter Saunders stood before a room filled with supporters and gave people a reason to smile.

The Gateway Academy graduate was recognized as a top achiever during his school’s graduation ceremony, a moment that many in Bimini viewed as hope after a difficult season for the young boy and his family.

Last month, Dexter’s life was suddenly thrust into the public spotlight after an accidental shooting left his younger brother, Duran, seriously injured.

For weeks, the Saunders family has faced uncertainty, pain and prayer as Duran continues receiving treatment in a Florida hospital.

Amid the heartache, Dexter walked across the graduation stage with his head held high.

Addressing fellow graduates and supporters on Friday, he reflected on the challenges his family has endured and the strength they found through faith and support from the community.

“Tonight is a reminder that whatever challenges come our way, we must keep moving forward,” Dexter said as he was met with cheers from those in attendance.

He spent the last few weeks navigating circumstances far beyond his years.

Dexter thanked God for sustaining his family during one of the darkest periods of their lives.

“I want to thank God for carrying my family and I through this difficult season,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the people of Bimini and beyond who have rallied around his family with prayers, encouragement, and acts of kindness.

“Knowing our community stands with us has given us the strength when we need it most.”

The outpouring of support has stretched far beyond the island.

Family friends Raul and Yarelys Rodriguez helped organize efforts to airlift Duran for medical treatment and launched a fundraiser to assist with mounting expenses. Thousands of dollars have already been raised as people continue to support the family’s journey.

Even as he celebrated his academic achievement and prepared for the next chapter of his education, Dexter’s thoughts remained with his younger brother.

“Please continue to keep my family in prayers, especially my little brother,” he said. “We are believing in God for healing, strength and better days ahead.”

He also paid tribute to his parents, relatives, teachers and community members who helped guide and encourage him through the difficult weeks.

For his mother, Mateja Saunders, the graduation was proof that even in the midst of heartbreak, faith can still produce moments of joy.

“Proud momma! God is faithful,” she wrote.

Friends are remembering Geronimo Brice as a kind-hearted man whose life touched many, after he died in a tragic car crash on Wednesday.

To those who knew him, Brice will be remembered for his kindness, a man described simply as “a very decent person.”

Police said Brice was travelling north on Milo Butler Highway when his vehicle struck the median, sending the car airborne into the southbound lane, where it collided with a flatbed truck. He died at the scene.

In the hours after news of the crash spread, social media was filled with messages of disbelief and grief from friends still struggling to process the loss.

For some, Brice was family.

Miguel Johnson described him as one of his closest friends.

“One of my closest high school friends and brothers,” Johnson wrote. “Love you forever my brother.”

The two attended Aquinas College (Bahamas) together, graduating in 1996, and remained close over the years. Johnson said Brice was part of a small group of school friends who stayed connected long after graduation.

“One of my literal best friends in life who I always talk to in a group chat with a few of my closest brethren from school,” he said. “My mind feels lost right now knowing you are gone.”

Others remembered Brice for his easygoing nature and warmth.

“He was a really cool person,” one friend wrote.

“Geronimo will be missed. I so can’t believe this,” added Jasmin Shanez.

Family members also expressed their heartbreak. “Forever in my heart,” wrote relative Jade Thurston.

For some, the news was almost too difficult to accept.

“Not Geronimo Brice,” one person wrote in disbelief. Another simply responded, “Oh goodness, nooo.”

Brice was also remembered by former classmates from his time at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, where one friend recalled long nights in dorm rooms playing video games and building friendships.

“Solid brother back then,” the post read.

Professionally, Brice worked with the Ministry of Works, where his work as an architectural professional left a lasting impression.

Shantell Braynen said he helped design the plans for her home. “He was so cool and lenient with me,” she recalled. “He tried to give me everything I wanted in my house.”

Grief filled Bible Truth Ministries on Saturday as family, friends, and fellow marines gathered to say goodbye to Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine Demeris Armbrister, remembered for his discipline, quiet strength, and commitment to service.

Fellow Marines who served alongside Armbrister described him as soft-spoken and gentle, yet vibrant and full of life once he was among friends. He was known for pushing himself, physically and mentally, always striving to be better.

Friends said that as the RBDF gym manager, fitness was his passion.

Armbrister, in his early twenties, died in a tragic car crash on December 1. Police said he lost control of his vehicle around 5 a.m. along Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, striking a tree before the car overturned. He remained trapped inside the wreckage until first responders were able to pull him free.

At his funeral, his casket was carried by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, draped in the Bahamian flag, a final salute to the young marine who had only recently begun his journey since joining the RBDF in 2023.

Commodore Floyd Moxey remembered Armbrister as a Marine who embodied the values of the force.

“He brought genuine intensity and pride to his work,” Moxey said. “He had exceptional zeal and energy, someone who consistently lifted the standard and morale of his team. He showed up each day ready to serve, ready to learn, and ready to inspire those around him.”

Moxey described him as fit, disciplined, motivated, and fully committed — “exactly what a modern Defence Force should be.”

“This is a profound loss,” he added. “The RBDF is shaken by this tragedy.”

Among those paying final respects was Demetrius Clarke, a close friend and colleague who served as part of the firing squad.

“It was an honour and a duty I did not take lightly,” Clarke said, “To stand strong for you in your final moments, to celebrate your life, your service, and your legacy.”

Featured Images: Through the Eyes of Ezra

A family is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of 27-year-old Devon Butler, who was fatally struck by two vehicles while walking along Robinson Road early Friday morning.

His sister, Rissa Williams, poured out her grief on social media, writing:
“My brother… this hurts so bad. This is not the news I wanted to hear. To get this call this morning… my baby brother.”

According to police, Butler was first hit by a vehicle traveling east. That driver reportedly stopped. Moments later, a second vehicle struck him and fled the scene. Police are now searching for the driver of the second vehicle.

Latoya Smith, another sister, told The Tribune that Butler had just left work and stopped at the laundromat to use a phone in an effort to get home. “He was like my second child. He was sweet and loving. He always showed me affection and told me how much he loved me,” she said.

Close friend Stephan said he was struggling to believe what had happened.
“I’m still in disbelief,” he shared.

A woman who identified herself as Thompson said the incident happened shortly after Butler left a nearby laundromat. “He was just in there calling for a ride to get home… and walked out only minutes before this happened,” she said.

Devon was the young father of a six-year-old boy and had just celebrated his birthday a few weeks ago.

A family acquaintance, Alice Thompson, described Butler as someone she treated like her own.
“My heart breaks for him and his family. He was more than my daughter’s friend. He was family,” she said.

One friend, Vicki, questioned the lack of compassion shown by the driver who fled the scene.
“What breaks me the most is the absence of humanity. How can someone see another person and show no mercy?” she wrote.

Police are urging anyone with information about the second vehicle or its driver to come forward.

The tragic death of 16-year-old Bahamian student Madeline Thompson in Panama has left many searching for answers.Thompson fell from the 27th floor of the Megapolis Hotel in Panama City early Friday morning, while attending a global robotics convention with her parents and other Bahamian students.

Panama police told The Tribune that their investigation continues and that they have not yet determined whether foul play was involved.

While official information remains limited, here’s what we know and what we don’t know yet about the case.

1. What led to the fall

Authorities have not yet explained what happened in the moments leading up to the tragedy or what circumstances led Thompson to the hotel balcony or window.

2. What the security cameras show

Panamanian media reported that security cameras recorded the fall around 6:05 a.m., but officials have not shared details of what the footage shows before or after that time.

3. Whether anyone witnessed the incident

So far, no reports suggest that anyone directly witnessed the fall. It’s unclear if hotel staff or guests nearby heard or saw anything unusual.

4. What investigators found inside the hotel room

Thompson was said to be sharing a room with another student, but police have not released information about what, if anything, was found inside that could help explain the circumstances. Police declined to say if anyone was in the room when the incident occurred.

5. What the autopsy results reveal

The official cause of death has not been released. Authorities as expected will rely on the results of the autopsy and toxicology tests to help determine how she died.

6. What happens next

Panama police continue to investigate. Bahamian officials are coordinating with them through diplomatic channels as the family grieves Madeline’s loss.

Prime Minister Philip Davis called the incident “heartbreaking,” offering prayers and support to the 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.

Two of three brothers killed early Monday morning in a tragic car crash on Sir Milo Butler Highway worked at Batelco and Bahamas Power and Light where their colleagues are struggling to come to terms with their tragic deaths that widely circulated on social media.

Twenty-four-year-old Philip Christie and twenty-three-year-old D’Caprio Christie were cherished employees at their respective companies.

The  Christie brothers were remembered for their hard work and dedication.

Philip Christie, a member of the Service Delivery Team was praised for always going the extra mile and was described as an excellent team member.

BTC CEO Sameer Bhatti said, “Philip was fun-loving, well-loved by his colleagues and would always make you smile. He was the life of the team.”

Philip’s younger brother D’Caprio joined BPL in 2023 as a craftsman apprentice and was admired for his passion and commitment to the corporation. “In a short time, he quickly became a valued team member, admired for his enthusiasm, hard work and commitment to the craft,” BPL CEO Shevonn Cambridge said in a shared press statement.

Philip and D’Caprio with their 20-year-old brother Deangelo were the country’s latest traffic fatality when their Honda Passport travelling north, lost control, veered off the road and hit a tree along Sir Milo Butler Highway around 2 am.

The Jaws of Life was used to extricate D’Caprio and Philip, the driver and front-seat passenger. They both succumbed on the scene.

Deangelo, a backseat passenger, was transported to the hospital with serious injuries but he died sometime later on Monday morning.

The trio was reared in Andros and transitioned to Nassau for employment, cousin Allyah told the Nassau Guardian.

She described them as “honorable, loving and respectable” young men.

Though somber, the daughter of Douglas McHardy is breathing a sigh of relief his body was found in the waters of Dean’s Blue Hole in Long Island, Bahamas.

After three days of intense searching, Nakita Headley grieves her father and remembers him as a “jokester and a prankster.”

“I’m going to lean on the laughter and jokes for comfort because if I think of anything else, my heart feels like it’s going to burst out of my chest.”

Douglas McHardy, a local fisherman and experienced diver, was found 600 feet below sea level after a search spanned several days. The Royal Bahamas Police Force, alongside the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, searched with the aid of an unmanned submersible drone, which ultimately led to the heartbreaking find.

The incident occurred shortly after McHardy attended the funeral of his mother-in-law, and went to the beach with Headley and his grandchildren.

Headley remembers he kept saying, “Now Kita hold on to my grand babies. Don’t let them drown.”

She then moved closer to the shore and soon left to retrieve something from her vehicle. Not long after she returned, he disappeared.

Headley said he was swimming in an area adjacent to the hole and swam across the blue hole to the other side, near the shallow edge.

“One minute he was on top of the water and the next minute he wasn’t.”

Headley said she cherished her father.

“I truly am so proud to be a product of your nurture and love. Not a man of many words but when you did, it would most likely be something you enjoyed talking about…once you start you would not shut up and would repeat the same things over and over. What I wouldn’t do to hear you now so I could roll my eyes to the sky,” she said in a social media post.”

The community of Long Island is also in mourning, as McHardy was a well-known figure, respected for his skills at sea and his jovial nature.

Agnes Write remembers, “He was a hardworking man, always busy and happy.”

Clinto Ritchie said, “He was a great man. Dougie was always humble, hardworking, and loved and supported by his family unconditionally.”

“Dougie was very full of life. Always joyful. You will be missed on Long Island,” Adrian Darville echoed.

Melshalique Knowles said, “He was one of a kind and always happy and pleasant, never a bad word said about him. I will miss Sundays with him and shopping and talking a bunch of foolishness. [He was] such a sweet soul.”

As the island grapples with this loss, the police are coordinating with deep water specialists to safely recover McHardy’s remains.

The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

Feature picture credit: Nakita Headley FB page

Family and friends are trying to come to grips with the unfortunate demise of 42-year-old Tony Scriven whose body was found crushed under a portable water storage tank on Sweetings Cay, on Sunday.

In her reflection of the beloved Water and Sewage manager who operated in Abaco, Aunt Pynki Scriven lamented, “The pain you may not see. But, oh my Lord, a knife could not cut me as deep.”

Scriven was managing the desalination plant on the island when tanks sitting on an elevated concrete platform, fell on him. In a graphic image, his body is shown pressed under the weight of the tank, and his face is buried in the earth beneath him.

Bahamas Water and Sewage Corporation soon issued a statement acknowledging the tragic accident and reported having visited the site along with Scriven’s father, Tony Sr.

“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn his loss,” stating that staff, the police and emergency services came to his aid quickly when the incident occurred.

Tony Sr, a lawyer by profession, has not publicly commented on the accident but only posted childhood pictures of his son along with his twin brother, to his social media page. Other pictures show the father praying with WSC workers after he visited the site of the accident.

The Water and Sewage Management Union said Scriven was killed in the prime of his life.

“It is hard to accept the death of one so dear to us…We were saddened to learn of Tony’s sudden and tragic passing in the line of duty…The grief and pain seem so unbearable.”

Just days before the tragedy, while speaking to ZNS Northern Service, Scriven Jr excitedly pointed at the tanks, emphasizing the purpose of the tanks’ installation which he said were installed to build storage capacity for the distribution network.

On Monday, the corporation closed its Abaco branch to “recognize the impact he had on us all.”

North Eleuthera MP and chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) Sylvanus Petty posted, “Rest in peace colleague.”

Scriven leaves behind a wife and three children.

Featured Image: Tony Scriven Jr is shown with his wife and children.