ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.
UPDATE: Investigation launched into Rio Cobre drowning incident, victim identified
