Toxicology, DNA tests, postmortem show no sign of foul play in Adriana Younge’s drowning- Police Force

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 20:13 by Writer

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday confirmed that the death of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has been officially ruled a drowning, with no signs of foul play, according to the final postmortem report submitted today by the three internationally renowned pathologists to investigators.

A comprehensive postmortem examination, including toxicology and DNA testing, was carried out withthe following key findings:

• No signs of acute injury or trauma were present.
• Toxicology results showed ethanol levels consistent with postmortem decomposition.
• Sexual assault kit and DNA analysis for potential suspects were negative.
• Skin and airway changes were in line with prolonged submersion and drowning.
• There was no evidence of restraint, struggle, removal, and return of the body.

The pathologists concluded that Younge drowned, likely sank to the bottom of the pool, and later surfaced due to natural decomposition processes common in tropical climates.

Younge’s body was discovered on April 24, 2025 in the swimming pool of the Double Day International Hotel.

The certified findings from the autopsy confirmed that her death was consistent with drowning, and no evidence of trauma, assault, or any other criminal activity was found.

The findings support an earlier report submitted by Retired Canadian homicide investigator Leonard McCoshen who concluded that there was no foul play.

Adriana, a female of mixed ancestry, was reportedly last seen by her grandmother at approximately 13:01 hours on April 23, 2025 in the hotel’s swimming pool.

Her body was found floating in the same pool the following morning.

Upon learning of the incident, the GPF said it launched a thorough investigation.

The GPF said child’s family raised several concerns, citing her ability to swim and alleging the possibility of sexual assault, forced drowning elsewhere, and ritualistic activity.

“These concerns were taken seriously and fully explored in collaboration with forensic experts,” the police force said.

The detectives are currently preparing the investigative case file for submission to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for her perusal and legal opinion, the police force said.

The GPF in its statement extends the Force’s heartfelt condolences to the Younge family and remains committed to transparency and justice.