JDF recruit dies from drowning

An autopsy conducted on the body of Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) recruit, Romario McLeod, last Friday has confirmed that he died from drowning.

McLeod was in the pool at Up Park Camp on May 13, undergoing military training, when he got into difficulties and died. At the time of the incident ,he was being supervised by at least six lifeguards.

Initially, the JDF theorised that McLeod might have died from underlying medical conditions, and not necessarily of negligence on their part.

When asked whether the JDF has now taken responsibility for McLeod's death, Major Basil Jarrett, civil military cooperation and media affairs officer said they are awaiting the results of the investigations to determine the way forward.

"The post mortem is a very important piece of the investigative process, but it does not complete the investigation. There are still other things that need to happen before we can determine the next steps," he said.

Nyoka Jarrett McLeod, mother of the deceased, told THE STAR last night that she would not be commenting of the matter at this time.

"The investigations are ongoing and when police are carrying out investigations, I don't think people should comment on it," Jarrett McLeod said.

Romario, 21, left his home in Longbough, Clarendon, a small district near Aenon Town, for training at the JDF's sites last December. His mother never saw him again until April 9 when she visited the camp for family day.

-S.W.