By Ben T.C. Brooks
Grand Kru County – [August 19, 2025] – The Criminal Services Division of the Liberia National Police Grand Kru detachment is currently looking into the unfortunate drowning of 17-year-old Sam Toe, which occurred on August 14, 2025, at a gold mine in Dougbo, Grand Kru County.
Preliminary, police reports indicate that Sam had gone to deliver food to a family member who was working as a gold miner, after making the delivery, he reportedly opted to take a bath in the mining pit.
The investigation revealed that Toe was accompanied by two friends, both younger than 15, who chose not to swim and remained on the shore while Toe entered the water.
Shortly thereafter, they noticed him struggling and acting erratically. The boys called for help, alerting nearby miners. Unfortunately, despite rescue attempts, Sam Toe was declared dead by the time assistance arrived.
Authorities confirmed that medical personnel and an 15-member coroner’s jury examined the body and pronounced him dead at the scene.
Family members reported that Sam was a resident of Pleebo City, Maryland County, and a student at the Liberia Christian Assembly School. He had come to Dougbo to spend his vacation with his parents.
The Grand Kru police detachment has initiated a comprehensive investigation, interviewing witnesses and looking into the events surrounding the tragic incident.
The case has raised renewed concerns about the enforcement of mining safety regulations, as unregulated and illegal mining pits across southeastern Liberia continue to pose risks to children and local residents.
