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Pathologists involved in the autopsy of Adrianna Younge, the 11-year-old girl who died last Wednesday, have ruled out that she died by forced drowning, or that she was possibly killed and her body then thrown into water.

The findings were disclosed during a press conference on Monday evening at State House by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony. The announcement followed a detailed post-mortem examination conducted by the independent experts earlier in the day. They experts wanted to brief the media but were unable to do so because of a tense standoff between the Police and people.

The President said, “The relatives were also informed that the pathologists ruled out theories of forcible drowning or any other means of killing, followed by the disposal of the body in water.”

The autopsy was performed by Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a government-appointed pathologist from Barbados; and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adrianna’s family.

Independent Pathologists rule out ‘forced drowning’ in Adrianna Younge’s death

President Ali revealed that the autopsy began around 13:20 hrs and was carried out with the aim of identifying any signs of trauma, injuries, or sexual violence, as well as collecting forensic samples and determining the cause of death. The procedure was thoroughly documented via photographs and video.

In their preliminary findings, the pathologists confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or sexual assault. They also could not find any fractures or broken bones. The experts said the markings observed on her skin were consistent with death by drowning and there was no evidence to suggest drowning by force.

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See below the full statement from the Guyana Police Force: 

On April 28, 2025, at approximately 19:00 hrs, police ranks responded to a report of an armed robbery in progress at Camp and Quamina Streets, Georgetown.

Ranks were on patrol in Force motor vehicles when they received the alert and proceeded immediately to the scene. Upon arrival, they observed four identifiable male suspects actively robbing a man, later identified as Shurlan Critchlow, a 43-year-old security guard.

On seeing the police, the suspects fled in various directions along Camp and Quamina Streets. During the pursuit, one of the ranks observed one of the suspects draw a firearm from his waist and point it in his direction. In response, the rank, who was armed with his service weapon discharged one round at the suspect.

The suspect ran west along Quamina Street before collapsing onto the roadway. A 9mm Ruger pistol bearing serial number TVK 99217, along with three matching rounds of ammunition, was recovered next to him.

The injured suspect, later identified as Orandy Samuel, was immediately transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. He sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of his face.

Investigations are ongoing.

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In the wake of national outrage and the release of an autopsy report confirming that Adrianna Younge died by drowning, President Irfaan Ali has pledged reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

At a press conference held on Monday evening, President Ali reflected on the circumstances surrounding Adrianna’s disappearance and the handling of the case by the police. He acknowledged that the death has highlighted some systemic failures, particularly in policing practices and public safety protocols.

“Outside of the deep sadness we all feel, it is clear to me as President that this entire situation presents a point of reflection and examination,” he stated.

“We must evaluate our laws, regulations, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) surrounding policing and how we respond to missing persons.”

Civilian responsible for false information in Adrianna Younge’s initial police report

The President announced plans to bring in international and regional experts to assist with a comprehensive review. This includes reassessing security measures in public spaces and updating national standards to match the country’s ongoing development.

He also addressed the performance of the police, stating that their response from the moment the disappearance was reported warrants scrutiny.

“Empathy is an essential part of police work. The way they conducted themselves must be reviewed,” he said.

President Ali highlighted the need for a more transparent and strategic approach to police-public relations and media engagement. He emphasised that the dissemination of timely, accurate, and factual information must shape the national narrative in such sensitive cases.

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As unrest grips several regions of the country, marked by the blocking of main thoroughfares, looting, the burning of debris, and widespread protests following the autopsy of Adrianna Younge on Monday, President Irfaan Ali has issued a national appeal for calm.

Speaking during a press conference from State House on Monday night, President Ali urged citizens to exercise restraint and empathy in this difficult time, while also making it clear that those responsible for acts of violence and destruction will be held accountable under the law.

“I ask that we, as a people and as a country, continue to lift the Younge family up in our prayers,” the President stated.

“Let us show and demonstrate love through prayer, as I will continue to do.”

The unrest erupted after an official autopsy confirmed that Adrianna Younge died by drowning, a conclusion that has been met with public outcry and disbelief in some quarters. Protests quickly escalated, with reports of fires on roadways, damage to private properties, and the looting of businesses and restaurants.

Independent Pathologists rule out ‘forced drowning’ in Adrianna Younge’s death

President Ali acknowledged citizens’ right to peaceful protest but condemned the violent turn some demonstrations have taken.

“We will protect every citizen’s right to peacefully demonstrate and air their concerns. However, within those rights come responsibilities. If individuals breach the law, there must and will be consequences,” he said.

The President also decried the apparent hijacking of the protests for political purposes, describing such actions as “selfish” and detrimental to national unity.

“Destruction of public infrastructure, private property, and the inconveniencing of others is not what we want as a people or as a nation. I am appealing to every citizen to let good sense prevail.”

President Ali reaffirmed his government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served both for the Younge family and for the nation as a whole.

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President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday said that a civilian working within a Police command centre was the source of inaccurate information that was included in an initial police report following the disappearance of 11-year-old Adrianna Younge.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday evening, shortly after the completion of Adrianna’s autopsy, President Ali addressed public concerns over the misleading details that had been released in the hours after the child was reported missing.

He disclosed that he had requested a full report on the matter and was informed that a civilian working at the control centre had provided inaccurate information.

Still, a full review will be done.

“There will be a review of all the events, from the time the report was made to the time the body was found,” President Ali vowed.

The police initially claimed that Adrianna was taken from the Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, on Wednesday, April 23.

Police admit details in report on Adrianna Younge were ‘inaccurate’

In the first statement, authorities claimed they received information from the Regional Division #3 Command Centre indicating that Adrianna had entered a red and black Raum motor car, registration number PSS 4684, which was seen heading east towards Vreed-en-Hoop. The vehicle’s registered owner reportedly told police that it had been rented to a man known only as “Orlando.” Efforts to locate this individual were said to be unsuccessful.

However, less than 24 hours later, the Guyana Police Force issued a follow-up statement acknowledging that certain details in their original release were inaccurate. They did not clarify which elements were false, but Adrianna was later found dead on the hotel premises, right in the pool.

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Three internationally accredited forensic pathologists have concluded that 11-year-old Adrianna Younge died as a result of drowning, and have ruled out both sexual assault and drowning by force.

The findings were disclosed during a press conference on Monday evening at State House by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony. The announcement followed a detailed post-mortem examination conducted by the independent experts earlier in the day.

The autopsy was performed by Dr Glenn A. Rudner of Mount Sinai Hospital, New York; Dr Shubhakar Karra Paul, a government-appointed pathologist from Barbados; and Dr Gary L. Collins, Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Delaware, who was chosen by Adrianna’s family.

Family’s lawyer says pathologists ‘worked in tandem’ for autopsy of Adrianna Younge

President Ali revealed that the autopsy began around 13:20 hrs and was carried out with the aim of identifying any signs of trauma, injuries, or sexual violence, as well as collecting forensic samples and determining the cause of death. The procedure was thoroughly documented via photographs and video.

In their preliminary findings, the pathologists confirmed that there were no signs of trauma or sexual assault, Adrianna’s body bore no fractures or broken bones, markings observed on her skin were consistent with death by drowning, and there was no evidence to suggest drowning by force.

The experts, however, were unable to establish an exact time of death as the body was in a state of advanced decomposition.

Toxicology tests are still pending and will form part of the final report.

Once completed and within the confines of the law, this report will be shared with Adrianna’s family and, according to President Ali, be made available, at least in part, for public scrutiny.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the Younge family, attorney Darren Wade echoed the pathologists’ conclusions, stating that the post-mortem was both “meticulous and comprehensive.”

He also noted that the pathologists had initially planned to hold a media briefing to answer questions and elaborate on their findings. However, safety concerns, amid ongoing unrest and public tensions surrounding the case, prompted them to forgo that engagement.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, who joined the president at the press conference, reaffirmed the high credentials of the pathologists involved, stating that all were “highly qualified and experienced professionals” in their field.

The investigation into Adrianna Younge’s death remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and urging the public to allow due process to unfold.

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Darren Wade, the legal representative of the family of Adrianna Younge, on Monday night, said that the three pathologists working on the girl’s autopsy determined that she died as a result of drowning.

And the lawyer, during a media briefing, confirmed that the pathologists all worked together and were observed by many, including family members, local authorities, and he (Wade) himself.

“They worked in tandem,” he said.

Mr. Wade also clarified that there was no evidence of sexual assault, nor were there any broken bones or fractures found on her body. According to Wade, the family was informed that the markings on Adrianna’s skin were consistent with drowning, aligning with the overall findings of the forensic investigation.

“The pathologists conducted a meticulous and comprehensive examination,” Wade said. “In fact, they went beyond the standard procedures typically followed in such cases.”

He also revealed that the pathologists were initially prepared to hold a media briefing to address all questions and provide a detailed account of their findings.

However, concerns for their safety amid ongoing unrest outside the hospital compound prevented them from doing so.

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Widespread infrastructural development is set to roll out across Georgetown as the government moves to address persistent challenges affecting residents as it relates to dilapidated roads, bridges, and clogged drains which causes flooding after heavy rain fall.

These issues were highlighted during site inspections on Saturday, led by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and a team of engineers.

Communities visited included Agricola, Container City, Rasville, Benn Kirton Drive, Rivers View, Sussex and Hill Street, Middle Road, Barbie Dam, Bamboo Drive, Meadow Brook, Kitty, Bel-Air Park, North Sophia and Merriman’s Mall.

Residents, particularly in several  wards, said many of the issues, especially poor drainage and irrigation, stemmed from what they described as neglect by the Mayor and City Council.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill alongside residents during an inspection exercise on Saturday

In response to their concerns, the public works minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to alleviating these challenges to enhance their livelihoods.

“The Government of Guyana will not neglect Georgetown or any ward in Georgetown because of the incompetence and the infantile politics of City Hall,” he emphasised stating that, “People are suffering and we will intervene. The government will do what it takes to ensure the lives and livelihoods of people are improved.”

Resident showing Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill a drain overcrowded by bush which causes flooding in the area

While engaging residents directly and inspecting roadways, drains and bridges earmarked for repairs or upgrades, the minister assured that swift action will be taken to correct deficiencies in all affected areas. The names of residents from various communities were collected to assist engineers who are expected to return to these areas shortly to conduct inspections and draft detailed plans for execution.

Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill inspecting bridge

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A man was found dead in a canal at Bloomfield, Corentyne, on Sunday morning.

Dead is 41-year-old Sachin Sanichar of Letter Kenny Village, Corentyne.

In an interview with reporters, Sachin’s uncle, Chandishekur Sanichar, detailed receiving the devastating news just after 07 hrs.

Due to illness, Chandishekur did not visit the site where his nephew’s body was discovered.

Chandishekur stated that Sachin would occasionally consume alcohol.

He last saw his nephew alive on Friday, April 25th.

“He is a person don’t get problem with anybody. He knows everybody. He does odd jobs,” Chandishekur said.

A postmortem examination is scheduled to determine the official cause of death.

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