‘We know the cause of death, now we must find out how she died’ – Jagdeo supports full probe into Adriana Younge’s drowning

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a thorough investigation into the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge, stating that while the cause of death has been established as drowning, the circumstances surrounding how she died remain unclear.

Jagdeo said that while the autopsy report confirms that she died from drowning, only a full investigation will provide the answers her grieving family desperately seeks.

“Now we know the cause of death, we need to find out how she died,” Dr Jagdeo said on Wednesday.

“I, myself, initially believed the child was murdered. For a moment, I didn’t consider drowning, but now that all the pathologists agree it was drowning, we have to follow the science.”

He reminded the public that President Dr. Irfaan Ali has already vowed that a thorough investigation will be done. Jagdeo said the forensic autopsy was a necessary part of that probe.

Adriana Younge’s body was found after she had reportedly been swimming at the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen. Her family has raised multiple concerns regarding the events leading up to her death.

In response, Dr Jagdeo said the government remains committed to uncovering the full truth, whether or not foul play was involved.

“I have seen the anguish on the faces of her mother and father.

“They need to know whether there was foul play or not. The truth is owed to them more than anyone else,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice-President also addressed claims made on social media, including reports that Adriana suffered broken bones and internal injuries. These claims were dismissed following a CT scan and X-ray that found no fractures or trauma inconsistent with drowning. Jagdeo confirmed that the trauma visible on her knees and arms in photographs was deemed consistent with drowning by the forensic pathologists involved.

Three international pathologists conducted the post-mortem examination, which lasted five hours and was recorded on video. Present were a family doctor, a nurse, and a lawyer representing the family. Additional tissue samples have been sent for toxicology analysis, and the full results are still pending.

There was worry she was sexually assaulted — but that was ruled out. There was also speculation about cotton in her nose, but that too was investigated and found to be false.

The Vice-President said he remains confident in the integrity of the autopsy and noted that any false information provided — such as the inaccurate claim that Adriana left the hotel in a red and black Raum vehicle — will be investigated. He revealed that the misleading report originated from a civilian in the police command centre monitoring street cameras.

“Everything will be reviewed. Everything will be investigated,” he assured.

“We will never satisfy those who use this tragedy to push a political agenda, but we have a duty to the family and to those genuinely concerned to find out the truth.”