Two teenage stepbrothers were discovered deceased after swimming at a location in Sanford, Maine, and they were found clinging to one another.
As per reports, this heartbreaking event occurred in July of last year when 17-year-old Tavayne Weir and his 16-year-old stepbrother, D’andre Graham, informed their family they were heading to the Springvale Recreation Area for a swim.
This area is well-known among swimmers for its thrilling 30-foot cliff jumps into the water. Lifeguards are present during the daytime.
When the boys failed to return by their 10 p.m. curfew, their parents alerted the authorities. The police located the boys’ vehicle at the site around 11 p.m., but there was no sign of Tavayne and D’andre.
The fire department was quickly summoned to help with the search. After an hour and a half, they discovered the bodies of Tavayne and D’andre submerged in the water.
“Using flashlights and high-intensity lights, they were able to locate them beneath the surface,” Major Matthew Gagne from the Sanford Police Department shared with WMTW.
“We’re unsure if they were jumping or simply swimming since we don’t know the exact time they entered the water. It’s likely they were alone, as we didn’t receive any distress calls from that area indicating someone was in trouble or drowning.
“There was likely a current of one to two miles per hour, which could have affected their location.”
The loss of the boys is undoubtedly unimaginable for their family, but perhaps a small comfort can be found in the fact that they were discovered holding onto one another.
A GoFundMe page set up by the family to assist with funeral costs stated: “They exhibited remarkable bravery and loyalty, clinging to each other until the very end, showcasing the profound bond they had.”
The fundraiser also mentioned that Tavayne and D’andre “always viewed each other as brothers, and when their parents Kerryan and Morris married last year, it solidified their brotherly connection.”
“They were more than just stepbrothers; they were genuine brothers. Growing up in Jamaica, they did everything together, from playing basketball and riding bikes to gaming,” it noted.
Rest in peace, Tavayne and D’andre.
