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UPDATE: Canadian Wilson F. Reading, 18, victim in Bubbly Pool tragedy

The gap in the cliffs allows the surf to surge through and create a whirl pool, hence the name Bubbly Pool. Photo: Internet Source
A visitor to Jost Van Dyke was reportedly fatally struck by a boulder near the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke today, January 15, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
A visitor to Jost Van Dyke was reportedly fatally struck by a boulder near the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke today, January 15, 2017. Photo: Team of Reporters
An onlooker in disbelief at the tragedy near the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke. Photo: Team of Reporters
An onlooker in disbelief at the tragedy near the Bubbly Pool on Jost Van Dyke. Photo: Team of Reporters
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost Van Dyke, VI- Our newsroom is able to confirm that the young man who was reportedly crushed to death after a boulder fell on his head yesterday January 15, 2017 in the area of the popular Bubbly Pool on the sister island of Jost Van Dyke has been identified.

He is an 18 year old male Canadian tourist, Wilson Francis Reading. It is reported that he came into the Virgin Islands with a group on vacation and was on a boat with about four other adults.

The body of the deceased was removed yesterday from under the boulder by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and was transported on the police boat to the Road Town Marine Base, arriving around 9:40 P.M. last night.  

The body is now at the Peebles Hospital morgue awaiting a post mortem as his immediate family was notified of his tragic death. It is said that Mr Reading is an only child.

Many eyewitnesses who saw the body being removed said Mr Reading’s head appeared to have been crushed and his neck allegedly broken.

What is the Bubbly Pool?

The tourist attraction the Bubbly Pool is located on the eastern tip of Jost Van Dyke and it’s believed that is where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. It is said to be a usually “rough area.”

It is exposed to the large breaking waves, we locally call ground seas. There are large rocks that block the entrance to the inner cove and the full power of the wave is slowed down and a rush of bubbling white water from the wave top enters the pool, filling it with white, foaming, swirling jets of sea water, turning it into a natural Jacuzzi or pool so to speak.

See previous article published January 15, 2017

Man dies in alleged freak accident @ Bubbly Pool on JVD

Word just reaching our newsroom is that someone lost their life while at the famous 'Bubbly Pool' on Jost Van Dyke this afternoon, January 15, 2017.

It is not clear what were the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy that occurred around 4:30 P.M. but this news site was told by our sources on the sister island that the man was struck by a boulder.

The deceased is said to be a Caucasian man. He was reportedly with his girlfriend and her family at the popular tourist attraction when disaster struck.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed the incident to this news site. "I can confirm that a man has received injuries as a result of an accident while in the vicinity of the Bubbly Pool in Jost Van Dyke," said Information Officer Diane Drayton, who noted that the RVIPF was not in a position to "confirm a death at this point."

70 Responses to “UPDATE: Canadian Wilson F. Reading, 18, victim in Bubbly Pool tragedy”

  • 911 (15/01/2017, 17:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Damm
  • YOLO (15/01/2017, 17:42) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wow condolences to the family
  • red flag (15/01/2017, 17:45) Like (61) Dislike (18) Reply
    Weren't they told not to go there?
    • rip (15/01/2017, 18:58) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
      either way what you do when God come knockin and who knows how many more loose boulders are waiting to come crashin down.
    • @Red Flag (15/01/2017, 19:18) Like (23) Dislike (7) Reply
      YES! It was on the radio over and over, but tourists would may be not listen to our news. Someone should have warned them. We need LIFE GUARDS Please!!!!!!!!!!!
      • Really (15/01/2017, 20:53) Like (43) Dislike (10) Reply
        My condolences to the family of the deceased.

        @Red Flag, there's a BIG sign warning them about ALL the DANGERS; "Slippery and sharp rocks, no lifeguard on duty, rip current, strong current, high surf. Proceed at your own risk. The government of the British Virgin Islands shall not accept any responsibility or liability in the respect to any injuries or death....."

        WHAT MORE WARNING SHOULD THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN?
      • CGB resident (15/01/2017, 21:04) Like (9) Dislike (14) Reply
        We have lifeguards, the Govt took away the money!!!
      • bobby (15/01/2017, 23:54) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
        last time i was there i saw flags in place.
  • cnn (15/01/2017, 17:46) Like (8) Dislike (36) Reply
    This need a thorough investigation
  • Fortune Teller (15/01/2017, 17:47) Like (12) Dislike (47) Reply
    This will be a bad year according to the crystal ball
  • So sad (15/01/2017, 17:48) Like (38) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wow! I always feel so bad when tourist ate hurt so tragically when vacationing in the BVI. It's really sad.
  • Tourist (15/01/2017, 17:59) Like (2) Dislike (41) Reply
    Are dying on the territory premises and giving a bad look to the rest of the world. It need to stop.
    • Nice (15/01/2017, 19:02) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
      How can you prevent a death from occurring? Im surprised you didn't blame the Govt for it neither.
    • casper (15/01/2017, 19:33) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      your right tourist it needs to stop cuz us humans dont die.
    • @Tourist (15/01/2017, 20:54) Like (1) Dislike (19) Reply
      IDIOT!!!!!
      • friend (17/01/2017, 16:22) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        I knew Wilson. He was a great kid. I am so sorry for his mother and father. Please be strong and you are in our prayers. Please respect these people and this terrible loss
  • ccc (15/01/2017, 18:08) Like (8) Dislike (7) Reply
    Now now do not blame the ndp
    • @ccc (15/01/2017, 18:23) Like (14) Dislike (21) Reply
      Where is the NDP in all this? Why do people have to die for lack of implementing preventative signs and other measures in all these Dangerous areas, including our steep hills and road corners, etc? How many more have to die?
  • Oh My (15/01/2017, 18:42) Like (42) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is sad, real sad. Condolences goes out to his family. Real tragic.
  • stay alert (15/01/2017, 18:52) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    were the red flags up?
  • soo (15/01/2017, 18:54) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Daily I received from the BVI Tourist Board sites that are cautioned and for the pass week due to the weather condition, the Bubbling Pool in JVD including the beaches are prohibited from swimming therefore are closed to swimmers.
  • which one (15/01/2017, 18:54) Like (2) Dislike (37) Reply
    A push or a slip?
    • @ which one (15/01/2017, 22:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      what ever it was we found the body face down with wounds to the head and face.
      • Oakville Ontario (17/01/2017, 12:35) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
        Are you serious ????? What kind of person are you to ask such an insensitive question when a family has lost their only son???? You should be ashamed of yourself.

        Our community here in Oakville Ontario has lost a friend , a great kid and our hearts go out to his family.
    • Canadian (16/01/2017, 15:26) Like (61) Dislike (8) Reply
      This is an 18 year old kid, who climbed the rocks, no one pushed him, it was a horrible accident. I knew and loved this kid maybe you should think about his family before you recklessly type push or slip?
      • Dennis H (16/01/2017, 16:34) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
        Thanks you for writing this.
      • His friend (17/01/2017, 01:34) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
        He was a great kid.. And was so loved.. Had his whole life ahead of him....Taken far too soon.. May he rest in peace
        • Joe. Blow (01/02/2017, 12:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
          We never know! Do we, when our time is up? Very Sad , he was far too young and an only Child.
      • Mark (17/01/2017, 11:22) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
        This is beyond tragic. I had the real honour of knowing Wilson and watching him grow up into a fine young man. His parents are wonderful and I can only imagine what they are going through at this very sad time. He was truly the center of their universe. While I hope others learn from this experience, I equally hope that the family's feelings aren't further assaulted with insensitive or agenda-driven comments. Be cool folks. A young, innocent man has lost his life and parents have lost their only child.
  • hold up (15/01/2017, 19:06) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    The RVIPF confirm the incident to the news site and 6:30pm NO POLICE STILL DID NOT reach on the scene?

    Ok.. I am now confugled (confused)
    • Get Your Facts Straight (16/01/2017, 09:51) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Police WAS at the scene! What's people beef with Police all time.
  • Closedown (15/01/2017, 19:29) Like (10) Dislike (18) Reply
    Close down the bubbly pool. Each time someone goes there they bobble instead of the water. That area appears to be troubled and the first one in is not healed.
  • Music (15/01/2017, 20:26) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Only ten days ago I warned our family visitors not to go on the side rocks because of previous accidents.
  • ....... (15/01/2017, 21:10) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
    That Bubbly Pool area is very accident prone. Many people have died there.
    • Scary Mary (16/01/2017, 13:51) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      My sincere condolences to the friends and family of this young man. Such a tragic loss.

      @ .......

      Three people have died at the Bubbly Pool. Two while climbing on the rocks above the pool and one who went in when the swell was much too powerful.

      Nature is a very powerful and unpredictable force. It would be wise to stay off the rocks above the pool altogether and to heed the warnings the Government has provided. When the swell is really kicking up, no man (or woman) is safe in the water. But people always want to get their photos and sadly, they put themselves in harm's way to do so.
  • o my (15/01/2017, 22:08) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tears for his family
  • qc (15/01/2017, 22:13) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    as the BVI continues to grapple with a growing death of all kind problem.
  • my yute (15/01/2017, 22:19) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
    Poor kid....very tragic. RIP
  • DON Q (15/01/2017, 22:21) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smh... deep condolences to the family!!
  • rattie (15/01/2017, 22:26) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    WOW, how easily we can fall ..
  • open wide (16/01/2017, 08:23) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    young man cut down so soon
  • Condolences (16/01/2017, 08:48) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP so tragic one can fall quicker than they rise but the lord is good.
  • james (16/01/2017, 08:54) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Sad!! What a tragedy!! Been there once and don't care to go back after what took place.
  • voiceofthevoiceless (16/01/2017, 10:20) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    What a tragedy! So young and here on vacation. RIP. I cannot imagine what his family is going through right now and i hope and pray that they are able to find some form of grief in this very difficult time.
    • voiceofthevoiceless (16/01/2017, 16:03) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      What a tragedy! So young and here on vacation. RIP. I cannot imagine what his family is going through right now and i hope and pray to God that they are able to find some comfort for their grief during this very difficult time.
  • Curly (16/01/2017, 21:07) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.

    Very sad and tragic event.
  • Oakville (16/01/2017, 21:28) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    R.I.P. Wilson , you were loved by many !!!!
  • Spy (16/01/2017, 21:51) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    As a non-tourist, I just don’t “feel alright” with the BVI's tourism product. Are BVISlanders really comfortable with it?
  • friend (17/01/2017, 00:00) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    You'll be missed Wilson I never thought that you'd go like this sometimes life isn't fair I hope where you are now is better then it was before.
  • Oakville (17/01/2017, 20:07) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I don't u derstand why people are typing things other than how extremely sorry they are for the family and friends who were affected. These comments should be full of love and support not trying to say somebody cause this to happen, or that they shouldn't have done something. This is real life, and people are suffering, so let's just be there for eachother instead of pouting fingers. Rest in peace Wilson❤
  • ADG (17/01/2017, 21:04) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    My friend Jamie knows him died by head crushed by rock while swimming, you will be missed
  • Impeach Justin Trudeau (17/01/2017, 21:49) Like (0) Dislike (6) Reply
    Shame on the liberals for causing this! This would have never happened if Stephen Harper was still our faithful prime minister! SHAME!
  • Dope flakie aka gage (18/01/2017, 13:03) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences :(
  • His friend (18/01/2017, 13:13) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to family and friends we lost a really good person the other day, why can't they take bad people not the good ones that have so much to live for
  • Oakville (18/01/2017, 13:28) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If I could write a store about Wilson , it would be the greatest ever told
    One of a kind and loving friend who had a heart of gold

    You’ll be missed, never forgotten …R.I.P our dear friend Wilson
  • doc (18/01/2017, 23:19) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    My sincere condolences to the parents and extended family of Wilson. I knew Wilson as a very bright and athletically gifted individual. This was a tragic and unpreventable event that could have happened to any one of us. That rock formation took tens of thousands of years to form and during the past 50 years I would assume hundreds if not thousands of individuals took pictures or viewed the Bubbly Pool from that very boulder and it didn't break away. Human nature wants us to lay blame. There is no blame here. It was simply a fluke of nature. Sooner or later someone else (or more than one individual) would have stood on that very spot and suffered the same consequence. Perhaps Wilson spared their lives at the expense of his. This is a tragedy and all I can add is RIP Wilson.
  • Oakville (19/01/2017, 19:28) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Wilson was a beautiful young man that loved being with his parents and adults.
    My prayers are with his family, adult friends and friends. He was a gifted young man that everyone enjoyed and loved. He will never be forgotten. RIP Wilson .... You were loved by many.
  • Oakville (19/01/2017, 22:34) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wilson was such a genuinely good person. He will be missed deeply by so many. RIP Wilson
  • John H (01/02/2017, 12:33) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    My Deepest Sympathy goes out to William's Mom and Dad and other Family Members. Also to their Loving Friends who were witness to this tragedy while on an otherwise happy Winter Holiday. My Heart goes out to Them all. (William- R.I.P.)
  • Jim Zhai (01/11/2017, 23:04) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Prayers for the Reading family


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