ST. THOMAS — A 12-year-old boy experienced a horrible ordeal on Wednesday, after his father drowned during a tragic incident at the Magens Bay Beach in St. Thomas, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte announced Thursday.
According to Mr. Dratte, at around 5:35 p.m. Wednesday, the 911 emergency call center received notification of a possible drowning at Magens Bay Beach. Mr. Dratte said the 12-year-old boy and his father were taking a swim, when the father started having trouble staying above water. Instinctively, the father started screaming for help, which prompted his son to spring into action seeking help for his father.
Upon the son’s return with help, the father’s body was already afloat and unresponsive, Mr. Dratte said.
The victim was transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center by ambulance and subsequently pronounced dead by a medical attendant at the hospital.
The deceased was identified as 40-year-old Ariel Ashby by next of kin, according to Mr. Dratte.
Feature Image: Aerial shot of Magens Bay. (Credit: VIC)
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