ST. JOHN'S, ANTIGUA — The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH) has expressed profound grief over the death of 19-year-old Zowie Tomlinson of Parham, whose body was recovered from waters at Devil's Bridge on Sunday morning, June 21, 2026, following an overnight search and recovery operation conducted by police and the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard.
The organisation extended its condolences to Ms. Tomlinson's family, friends, and the wider Parham community, while using the moment to renew its call for greater national investment in youth mental health services.
"We are devastated," said Chaneil Imhoff, Founder of WISH. "Zowie was somebody's daughter, somebody's friend, somebody's neighbour. Nineteen years is no age to feel that there is no way forward. We grieve with her family today, and we grieve as a country that has not yet done enough to ensure that our young people can access mental health support when they need it most."
WISH urged the public to exercise care and compassion in how the tragedy is discussed, particularly on social media. The organisation warned that speculation about the circumstances of Ms. Tomlinson's death, the sharing of graphic content, or commentary that reduces her life to the manner of her passing causes additional harm — both to those who loved her and to others in the community who may be silently struggling. The Police Administration has also appealed for privacy to be respected as investigations continue, a call WISH said it echoes unreservedly.
The organisation spoke directly to anyone experiencing emotional pain, stating: "You are not alone, and what you are feeling does not have to be permanent. Please reach out."
WISH pledged to continue advocating for sustainable, accessible, and culturally grounded mental health services in Antigua and Barbuda. "The death of a 19-year-old is more than another tragedy to mourn," the organisation stated. "It is a call to act."
For more information about mental health resources and WISH's initiatives, visit wish-wadadli.org.
