WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT A 16-year-old boy was mauled to death by a shark in Jamaican waters
A 16-year-old was brutally killed and beheaded in a savage shark attack while swimming near a popular holiday hotspot.
The terrifying incident took place in the waters of Jamaica, ending with Jahmari Reid’s devastated dad, Michael Reid, witnessing his son’s mutilated body being brought to shore.
The heartbroken retired taxi driver said: “I can’t believe that he went to sea by himself and that was the outcome. Sad to know. I feel so bad.”
Divers found Jahmari’s body off the coast, with reports suggesting his head had been bitten off and his left arm missing. The schoolboy had embarked on a solo spearfishing adventure near Montego Bay, according to local police.
He disappeared on Monday 26 August 2024, sparking a massive search operation which concluded on Tuesday morning. Witnesses told the Jamaica Observer that the teen’s body was severely disfigured in the attack, reports the Express.
Michael revealed he had warned Jahmari about the risks of spearfishing alone prior to his tragic death. Fisherman Christopher Reynolds was present on the beach with Michael and a group of locals.
Reynolds stated divers reported seeing a massive tiger shark in the water close to where Jahmari’s body was discovered. Locals have attempted to shoot the shark, which they suspect was most likely responsible for the attack on Jahmari.
Reynolds added: “All of the fisherman went out there and, while they were diving to take him up, they saw the big shark. They shot at him but they didn’t get him.”
Fritz Christie, the president of Falmouth Fisherfolks Benevolent Society, said it was the first time such a brutal attack had occurred in Trelawny waters.
Locals suspect the shark may have followed a cruise ship into the bay. Speaking to local media, Fritz said: “What we have to do is make certain when the ships come to be careful of the diving. The shark eat off the man head, eat off one of his hand . It’s crazy, man.”
Jahmari was a student at William Knibb Memorial High School from Trelawny and was set to return to school in September after the holidays.
This incident came before another family’s beach day turned into a horror show when a young boy was attacked by a shark. Richard Burrows was snorkelling with his father, David Burrows, 48, and his 10 year old sister, Rose Burrows, around 3pm local time at Horseshoe Reef, about four miles off Key Largo near John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park when the terrifying event took place.
Richard suffered a “significant” knee injury after being bitten, and his quick-thinking dad applied a tourniquet to his son’s leg to stop the bleeding immediately. Richard was then airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in Miami in critical condition.
Doctors performed surgery on Richard and were able to save his leg, confirmed Sheriff Rick Ramsay. His family released a statement: “The initial injury inflicted on Richard was significant, but due to the help of a number of people, it was contained.
“Richard’s 10 year old sister, Rose, played a crucial role in her brother’s rescue and both of her parents are immensely proud of the strength of character and composure she demonstrated under pressure.”, reports the Mirror.
“Richard is recovering well from his surgery and is gaining strength by the day. He is in good spirits. Our hope is that he will be back enjoying his passion for the ocean and marine life with his older sister in no time,” the family added.
Florida stands as one of the globe’s prime locations for shark encounters.
Last year, the state logged 14 shark attacks – representing half of all US incidents and nearly a third of worldwide cases, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History.
The species responsible for Monday’s devastating attack, which has left the youngster fighting for his life, remains unconfirmed by officials.