Vacation Turns To Tragedy As Young Man Drowns In Cestos River

‎By: D Abraham Cooper Sr. |Grand Gedeh Correspondent

‎Bah Town, Duo Clan, B’hai Administrative District| January 5, 2026 | A somber atmosphere has gripped Duo Clan in the B’hai Administrative District following the tragic drowning of a young man over the holiday weekend. What was meant to be a joyful family reunion in Bah Town ended in heartbreak when 20-year-old Archieboy Gaye lost his life in the Cestos River.

‎The Incident

‎According to reports reaching our news desk, Archieboy Gaye—a resident of Monrovia—had traveled to Grand Gedeh to spend the New Year vacation with his parents.

‎The tragedy unfolded on Friday, 2^nd January. Witnesses say Archieboy went to the riverbank early that morning accompanied by friends. After deciding to take a swim, he disappeared beneath the water’s surface and failed to resurface.

‎The alarm was immediately raised by those on the scene, triggering an intensive search operation.

‎The Recovery

‎For two days, local residents and officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) combed the waters and surrounding banks of the Cestos River. The search concluded on Sunday, January 4th, when the young man’s lifeless body was finally discovered and recovered from the water.

‎Rising Tensions and Allegations‎

‎While the community mourns, the incident has taken a controversial turn. Serious allegations have emerged from within the family, with some members claiming the death was not a simple act of accident.

‎Spiritual Allegations: Some family members have publicly accused the victim’s father, Paul Gaye, of being “spiritually” responsible for the death.

‎Community Reaction: These unverified claims have sparked widespread speculations and panic throughout Bah Town, leading to significant emotional distress among residents.

‎Police Investigation

‎The Liberia National Police have confirmed that an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning is currently active. Authorities are urging the public to refrain from spreading rumors or taking the law into their own hands.

‎Official Statement:

‎”We are asking for calm in Duo Clan. We understand the pain of the Gaye family, but we urge everyone to allow the legal process to take its course while we determine the facts of this case.”

‎Archieboy Gaye, who spent the majority of his life in the capital, is remembered by friends as a vibrant young man.