Two teenage stepbrothers who drowned at a popular swimming spot in a Maine river were found “clinging to each other” when their bodies were pulled from the water, family members said.
Sanford High School students Tavain Weir, 17, and his stepbrother, D’Andre Graham, 16, died over the weekend at Springvale Recreation Area, known for the daredevil act of swimmers jumping off 30-foot cliffs into the water, news stations reported. WMT report.
Authorities said the two had told their parents they were going to the beach on Sunday, but when they didn’t return by the 10 p.m. curfew, family members contacted authorities.
Police soon found the car the couple had been in, but the couple were nowhere to be found.
Firefighters were called to assist with the search and an hour and a half later, Tavein and D’Andre’s bodies were found in the water.
“Using flashlights and high intensity lights, we were able to locate them in the water,” said Maj. Matthew Gagne with the Sanford Police Department. thank you.
The brother-in-law was found about a quarter-mile from a 30-foot cliff where swimmers are known to jump into the river.
“We don’t know if they were diving or just swimming because we don’t know exactly what time they went in. There hadn’t been any reports of anyone in distress or drowning from the area so we’re guessing they were probably alone,” Gagne explained.
“There were probably currents of one or two miles per hour, so that could change their position.”
The boys’ bodies have been transported to the medical examiner’s office in Augusta, Maine, where autopsies will be performed to determine the cause of death, WMTW reported.
A GoFundMe page to raise money for the teenagers’ funeral costs revealed how their bodies were found together.
“They showed incredible courage and loyalty, supporting each other to the end and demonstrating the deep bond they share.”
According to the fundraiser, Tavain and D’Andre “have always thought of each other as brothers and sisters and were officially recognized last year when their parents, Kerriann and Morris, got married.”
“They were more than stepbrothers. They were real brothers. Growing up in Jamaica they did everything together, playing basketball, riding bikes, playing games,” the post read.
According to the obituary, Tavain and D’Andre had planned to become delivery drivers for DoorDash.
“We are together as always, providing for our family and hoping that our parents can finally find peace,” the fundraiser message read.
“Monday was supposed to be their first night on the job.”
Sanford Schools Superintendent Matt Nelson expressed “deep sadness” over the boys’ deaths in a letter to parents of students at the school.
“We offer our deepest condolences and our hearts go out to the student’s family and friends,” Nelson wrote.
“We are saddened by the loss of our school community and will do all we can to support you and your child as needed.”
