NEEZWEIN, River Cess — The quiet community of Neezwein, nestled in the heart of Central River Cess District, is in mourning after a tragic drowning incident claimed the life of 19-year-old Stephen Kangar on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. along the Doe River, approximately three kilometers from Oldpa Village, a peaceful area known for its scenic beauty and close-knit community.
According to eyewitnesses, Kangar had been spending the day with five close friends after attending a traditional dubbing ceremony at a local community member’s house. The group, covered in mud from the ceremony, made their way to the river to wash off. As they relaxed and enjoyed the cool waters, Kangar decided to swim in a deeper section of the river — a decision that would ultimately lead to his tragic fate.
The Incident Unfolds
Daniel Dee, one of Kangar’s friends, who was present at the scene, recounted the moments leading up to the drowning. “We were all washing off, rubbing soap on our bodies when Stephen saw one of our older brothers,” the friend said, speaking to The Liberian Investigator. “He called our attention to him, and we all turned to look in his direction. But when we turned back, we didn’t see Stephen anymore.”
According to the group, moments earlier, Kangar had ventured into deeper water, an area known for its strong currents. While his friends were distracted by the sight of the older brother, Kangar, who was already struggling in the water, suddenly disappeared. His friends initially thought he might have swum farther down the river or simply been out of view, but when he didn’t reappear, panic set in.
Realizing something was wrong, the group immediately raised the alarm. The situation quickly escalated, and a search party was formed. Residents and divers from nearby areas sprang into action, scouring the riverbanks and diving into the cold, murky waters.
Search and Recovery Efforts
After several tense moments of searching, the search team eventually located Kangar’s unconscious body submerged in the river. His body was pulled from the water, and a nearby health practitioner was summoned to the scene for immediate assistance. Tragically, despite their efforts, Kangar was pronounced dead after an examination.
A sense of shock and disbelief rippled through the local community as word of the incident spread. Family, friends, and neighbors gathered at the riverbank to mourn the loss of the young man, who had been described by those who knew him as kind-hearted and full of life.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has left the tight-knit community reeling with grief. Many have expressed deep sorrow over the untimely loss of someone so young and full of promise.
“Stephen was a very respectful and hardworking young man,” said Prince Kangar, Stephen’s older brother. “He was always ready to help others, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone.”
The loss has also deeply affected the five friends who were with him at the time of the incident.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have not yet provided further details on the circumstances surrounding the drowning. Investigations are ongoing as local law enforcement seeks to determine the exact cause of the incident and if there were any factors that contributed to Kangar’s tragic death.
Local officials have urged the community to take extra caution when visiting bodies of water, especially those in rural areas where currents and underwater conditions may be unpredictable. The Doe River, while a popular spot for locals to swim and wash, has been known for its unpredictable currents, which can pose significant risks to even experienced swimmers.
The tragedy has prompted calls from community members for increased awareness and safety measures around the river, including the possible installation of warning signs or safety barriers to help prevent further accidents.
A Family and Community in Mourning
Kangar’s family, who are well-respected members of the community, is still grappling with the devastating news. His mother, overcome with grief, said, “My son was a bright young man with so much potential. We are heartbroken that he is gone.” As the investigation continues, the death of Stephen Kangar serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by natural water bodies, especially in rural areas where access to immediate help may be limited. For now, the people of Neezwein and Central River Cess District will remember the young man who left them too soon, and they will continue to mourn the loss of one
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