Woman rescued at Hellshire beach dies as cop, boy feared drowned

A New Year's Day outing to the beach has ended in heartbreak after the young woman who was pulled from the sea at Hellshire, Portmore, St Catherine, died at hospital, as search efforts continue for a policeman and a teenage boy who are feared drowned.

Twenty four year old Alia Dawkins died at the Spanish Town Hospital on Thursday, the same day the incident occurred.

The policeman and the teenage boy remain unaccounted for. They have been identified as Constable Shamar Grant, who was attached to the St Catherine South Police Division, and 12 year old Aaron Russell of a Waterford, Portmore address.

According to the police, about 3:00 p.m. on January 1, 2025, Dawkins and Russell were swimming at Sand Hills Beach in Hellshire when they encountered difficulties in the water.

Grant reportedly went to their assistance but also got into difficulties during the rescue attempt and is suspected to have drowned.

Dawkins was rescued and rushed to the Spanish Town Hospital, where she was admitted. She later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.

The incident is being investigated by the Hellshire police.

- Rasbert Turner

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