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UPDATE: Body of female recovered in JVD waters identified

January 4th, 2016 | Tags: body found Jost Van Dyke RVIPF unidentified
The body recovered in waters off Road Harbour in Jost van Dyke on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2016 has been identified as Puerto Rico national Melissa Natalia Tomas-Abadia. Photo: VINO/File
Police have confirmed that the body of a female was recovered in the waters off Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke early this morning January 1, 2016. Photo: VINO/File
Police have confirmed that the body of a female was recovered in the waters off Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke early this morning January 1, 2016. Photo: VINO/File
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost van Dyke, VI – The body recovered in waters off Road Harbour in Jost van Dyke on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2016 has been identified as Puerto Rico national Melissa Natalia Tomas-Abadia.

According to a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) today, January 4, 2016, the body of Tomas-Abadia, 29, was positively identified by her boyfriend later that morning.

“The two were among a party of six that arrived at Jost Van Dyke on Thursday evening by motorboat to attend New Year’s Eve festivities on the island.

“The deceased was last seen swimming alone in the waters near the main dock in front of the Administration Building. She was later seen drifting unresponsively and was subsequently retrieved from the water,” the RVIPF release stated.

 It also said a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned and investigations will continue on behalf of the Coroner’s Office.

See previous article published January 1, 2016

Body of female recovered off JVD today Jan 1, 2016

Police have confirmed that the body of a female was recovered in the waters off Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke early this morning January 1, 2016.

According to a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the identity of the female is still being determined.

“Cause of death is unknown at this time,” said the release. However it is believed that the person drowned, according to our sources.

We will provide an update upon the receipt of further information regarding this matter.

57 Responses to “UPDATE: Body of female recovered in JVD waters identified”

  • just asking... (01/01/2016, 09:17) Like (7) Dislike (25) Reply
    Already?
  • Charley Rose (01/01/2016, 09:36) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
    It is so sad at dawn of the NEW YEAR. My sympathy goes out to the relatives and friends of the deceased pers0n.
  • check carefully (01/01/2016, 10:06) Like (3) Dislike (22) Reply
    homicide???
    • Chaco (01/01/2016, 12:55) Like (8) Dislike (32) Reply
      I think they need to investigate this real good, that place last night was full of foreigners doing drugs !
      • vex (01/01/2016, 13:49) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
        I hope you wasn't trying to stereotype people?
      • Mick Mars (01/01/2016, 14:41) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
        Me and alot of the other locals was doing drugs with the foreigners too;What's your point? Condolences to the family, this is not the way to have to celebrate the new Year.
        • Chaco (01/01/2016, 17:22) Like (2) Dislike (17) Reply
          Not making a point, just saying with all of that disorders which I personally liked, some bad person most likely a foreign person due to the fact that they out numbered the local! Could have harm this girl and make look like a drowning
      • What to expect (04/01/2016, 18:14) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
        @chaco police don't investigate they only intimidate
  • perfect setting (01/01/2016, 10:56) Like (3) Dislike (8) Reply
    don't rule out foul play
  • dog (01/01/2016, 11:23) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    Certainly not a good way to start the New Year
  • NHI (01/01/2016, 16:45) Like (2) Dislike (33) Reply
    Blame ndp so much non cents under there government
  • pat (01/01/2016, 16:51) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP TO THE DEAD
  • post (01/01/2016, 18:48) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    NDP my ass .who to Blame is if we didn't go to poles vote NDP would NDP be elected ?hell no so shut up is we the people give them the power they have .the bible is fulfilling NDP can't stop that there will be more crimes more children getting children more people suffering etc .the bubble must fullfill
  • Happy new year? (01/01/2016, 21:52) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Condolences .. Was she a local or tourist?
    • Francis (02/01/2016, 19:48) Like (33) Dislike (17) Reply
      she was a tourist from puerto rico.a young wonderful dentist.i love her
      • max (03/01/2016, 01:13) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
        She was a wonderful and loving human being. God bless her family and may He bring peace to all their sufferring . I knew her as well, a great dentist, loving and kind. Rest in peace my friend you will be missed.
      • Jim (08/07/2022, 12:06) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        Was this Melissa Tormos, from PR, who attended University of Vermont as an undergraduate in the early 2000s? Her father was the chair of a dental department at a University in PR. If it was , I knew her well at Vermont and she was a wonderful person.
  • Charley Rose (01/01/2016, 22:26) Like (31) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is not the time for negative comments. This is a very sensitive matter and we must respect the emotional state of the deceased relatives of the tourists. Whatever the individual was involved in, a life has been lost and we must show some respect for the dead. If one cannot say something to express sympathy to the grieving relatives and friends of the deceased, who came all the way to celebrate with us this festive season then I think one should not make a comment.
    How will we feel if it was a BVI tourist in another country who lost their life. It is time for us to be sensible and write something good, further more the tourists came here to enrich the territory with their spending at hotels, boats, taxi and the economy benefits. Stop negative comments
    • the rock (02/01/2016, 08:07) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
      this is the time for our online medias to not post stupid blogs, when it comes to deaths, people from around the world got to think by now that the bvi is full of ignorant, small mindless, and stupid people, jack I tell yow!
    • Me (10/01/2016, 13:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Agree with him
  • Alfa Charlie (02/01/2016, 21:42) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Anybody knows more on this incident? Name of the victim, where from? Anything at all?
  • family friend (02/01/2016, 22:07) Like (13) Dislike (5) Reply
    If anyone out there can provide some insight into what could have happened, opinions count, please communicate with the police or on this site. Her parents are headed there, and its important to speak out if you know something. Anything that can help understand.....
    • cgb (03/01/2016, 02:25) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      So sorry for your friends loss, and yours, such an awful thing to happen at what should be such a joyous time. I know my community is very shocked and upset by what has happened and i know the people of the BVI will come together to make sure your family friends get the answers they need.
  • Alfa Charlie (03/01/2016, 09:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks for the information. Please keep us posted. Any insight on what happened?
  • for the record (03/01/2016, 21:17) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Any news about what and how this unfortunate incident happened. So many confusing comments, my deepest sympathy.
  • NSM VI style (04/01/2016, 09:13) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    I ran into a very intoxicated/drugged girl trying to get upstairs at foxy's while I was waiting for a friend to come out of the restroom. she was alone and claimed her friends were all up there but the security guard would not let her up, She was about 5.5 blond hair, I think she was wearing a turquoise dress. As my friend and I were leave she murmured "I might as well go back to the boat" I then looked back and said please be carful and good luck.
    • Mary (08/01/2016, 22:17) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
      That's not her... She was a beautiful brunette... Green eyes ... Excellent human being... Will be missed:(
  • my friend (04/01/2016, 10:27) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    She was ayoung beautiful girl. Professional and loved by everyone whom met her. I hope people's opinion don't alter the investigation. If anyone has any information please call authorities.
    • for the record (04/01/2016, 12:51) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      Need to ask the person(s) that accompanied her the day of the incident/accident. What activities were they engaged in before the fatal incident/accident?, was she reported missing before she was found?, When was the last time she was seen alive? etc This is indeed sad that a professional and caring person lost her life and there are still no answers nor follow-up information. Someone amoung those with her the night of the incident/accident must know, and needs to come forward.
      • @ the record (04/01/2016, 22:09) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
        You are making some very good comments.
        As for: was she reported missing? I guess they might have been reluctant to report her missing. They came on a power boat?? Half of the foreign vessels that night I saw comming straight into the harbor without clearing in. :-(
        • for the record (05/01/2016, 12:25) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
          According to the press article update the "boyfriend" identified the body later that morning. Where was he before and during the incident? Understanding that they might had not follow clearance procedures on arrival, what would be more important, facing the fact that they did not clear on arrrival or the importance of missing a loved one? Now, I have more questions than answers, the article also stated that she was seen swimming and unresponsibly drifting away, if so, who saw her? and what was done about it? Where was her "boyfirend" and other four companions? Why did authorities allow them to abandom jurisdiction before questioning them on the death of their "friend", moreover if they had not follow clearance procedures. Something does not seem right with the account of events, lack of proper follow-up and lack of adecuate investigative procedures. With all due respect, seems as better to catalogue this as a swimming accident of a tourist, rather than look at all the inconsistencies that led to the death of this young lady. Irresponsible follow investigation at best.
  • Mari (04/01/2016, 18:26) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Her last name is Tormos!!! Not Tomas.
  • @Mari (05/01/2016, 10:05) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    The spelling maybe right Tomas and Not Tormos or Thomas. Remember it is Spanish please. Unless you know otherwise
    • Laguna (05/01/2016, 22:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Her last name is indeed Tormos.
    • Colleague (06/01/2016, 00:31) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Her name was Melissa Tormos Abadia, please help with any information to help in the investigation.
  • @deltoro (06/01/2016, 00:14) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to her mother and family from a colleague of CITI PR
  • Anonymous (06/01/2016, 01:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    More information is certainly needed so that the family can at least have some answers for this unfortunate tragedy. Please if anyone has additional information please post. I heard a woman had mentioned that she witnessed the events...
    Certainly some interesting posts here and questions in regards to what happened and what was done...
  • for the record (08/01/2016, 07:53) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Any news from the coroner's office about the cause of death and when is the body expected to be released. This young lady had friends and family still looking for answers.
  • Mary (08/01/2016, 22:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Rest in Peace dear Meli Meli ...
  • Julia (08/01/2016, 23:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Boating and drinking don't mix. Very sad this happened to such a young, beautiful and talented lady. My condolences to her family and friends
  • Carlos (10/01/2016, 10:20) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Coroner should determine cause of death, RIP
  • BiA (10/01/2016, 20:31) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    I knew her. Her last name is indeed Tormos.
    I also have a million questions!!! This could have been an accident but as well it could be something else.
    If you have any information please come forward.
    Melissa was a gorgeous brunette full of life and light.
    • for the record (12/01/2016, 11:11) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      There are many questions that as it looks may remain unanswered. The coroner's office has not issued a press release, and as things go, and for the sake of tourism this might be sweap under the rug. Certainly, it would be appropiate that if anyone has information about what happenned that they come forward in order to clear things and those left with the sorrow of her death find the needed answers. I would still want to hear the accounts of events from the "boyfriend" who had more than anything a moral responsibility about her wellbeing and the other four in the party of six that were travelling together. Those responsible who remain in earth and had control over what happenned will pay their dues in life, you might want to call it Karma. May Ms. Tormos rest in peace in the grace of God and her family find understanding. Based on the comments shared she was a high quality human being and professional.
  • Cristina (12/01/2016, 11:05) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many of us in Puerto Rico have questions of what happened to Melisssa that day. To all of us that knew her know who she was and that this is a very fishy “accident”. That bay is full of boats and persons the 31 and 1 of January, someone has to know what happened to her. If do so please come forward with it. We just need an answer. Yesterday was a very sad day, there was a Mass on her name. A Mass that had no answers.
    • for the record (12/01/2016, 11:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      Was her so called "boyfriend" and the other four that were in the trip together with her at the mass service paying their respect to her and the family? They should have some answers to share, that would be a starting point.
  • for the record (12/01/2016, 12:00) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Based on all the feedback and people's querries the the Virgin Island News On-line should do an update article giving some type of closing to this fatal event. As the body was released, there must be some preliminary report from the Police Depratment and the Coroner's office.
  • Anonymous (15/01/2016, 19:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    No more updates...
    • for the record (16/01/2016, 08:22) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      With the body returned; Sweapt under the rug, close case. No more updates, but those responsible and those who are accomplices will face more firm justice. Life is about choices, unfortunately she did not make the right choices starting with the"boyfriend", company and destination.
  • Anonymous (21/01/2016, 00:48) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It's really a shame that such a tragedy gets no more coverage after the body was returned
    There's too many unanswered questions...


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