By D. Abraham Cooper Sr.
A wave of grief has swept through Duo Clan in the B’hai Administrative District, Grand Gedeh County, following the tragic death of a young man who drowned during a holiday visit to his hometown.
The victim, Archieboy Gaye, 20, a resident of Monrovia, had traveled to Bah Town to spend the New Year vacation with his parents.
What was expected to be a joyful family reunion ended in tragedy when he lost his life in the Cestos River.
The Incident
According to information gathered by this reporter, the incident occurred on Friday, January 2. Witnesses said Archieboy went to the river early that morning in the company of friends.
He reportedly entered the water to swim but soon disappeared beneath the surface and did not resurface.
Friends at the scene immediately raised an alarm, prompting a search effort by community members.
Search and Recovery
For nearly two days, residents of Bah Town, along with officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), conducted a coordinated search along the river and its banks.
The search ended on Sunday, January 4, when Archieboy’s body was discovered and recovered from the Cestos River.
Community Tension and Allegations
As the community mourns the loss, tensions have risen following allegations made by some family members who believe the death may not have been accidental.
In particular, unverified claims have surfaced accusing the victim’s father, Paul Gaye, of being “spiritually” responsible for his son’s death.
These accusations have fueled fear, speculation, and emotional distress within Bah Town and surrounding areas.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Liberia National Police have confirmed that an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Authorities have strongly cautioned the public against spreading rumors or engaging in actions that could disrupt peace in the community.
In an official statement, police said:
“We are calling for calm in Duo Clan. We recognize the grief facing the Gaye family, but we urge the public to allow the investigation to proceed so that the facts surrounding this incident can be properly established.”
Archieboy Gaye, who spent most of his life in Monrovia, is remembered by friends and loved ones as an energetic and cheerful young man whose death has left a painful void.
