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UPDATE: VG drowning victim identified as 71-year-old Johnnie Hoffman

June 11th, 2025 | Tags: Virgin Islands Virgin Gorda tourist death
The American tourist who drowned while swimming at Virgin Gorda on Monday, June 9, 2025, has been identified as Johnnie Hoffman, 71. Photo: NPT/File
Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that a tourist died earlier today, Monday, June 9, 2025, on Virgin Gorda. Photo: Internet Source
Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that a tourist died earlier today, Monday, June 9, 2025, on Virgin Gorda. Photo: Internet Source
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- The American tourist who drowned while swimming at Virgin Gorda on Monday, June 9, 2025, has been identified as Johnnie Hoffman, 71.

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), in a press release on June 11, 2025, Hoffman was found unresponsive in the water after swimming with family members.

He was pulled from the water by VISAR and was later pronounced dead.

Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the death of Mr Hoffman, the RVIPF stated.

See previous article published June 9, 2025

Tourist drowns in VG

Reports reaching Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) is that a tourist died by drowning earlier today, Monday, June 9, 2025, on Virgin Gorda. 

The incident was confirmed by Media Liaison of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), Akia L. Thomas; however, was not in a position to give further details. This is a developing story, and VINO will post an update once it becomes available. 

30 Responses to “UPDATE: VG drowning victim identified as 71-year-old Johnnie Hoffman”

  • Wellsah (09/06/2025, 20:34) Like (9) Dislike (19) Reply
    RIP. we need days of national prayer to cleanse our waters. this is becoming too frequent of an occurrence.
  • Even though ... (09/06/2025, 20:44) Like (2) Dislike (17) Reply
    Even though he is not the Minister of natural resources it Vincent,s fault. Might as well blame him since we dont have the courage to call out the rep from D3. This will be gladly endorsed by the Sisters who will never take on real power and advocate for VG. Condolences to to Family
  • Eldread (09/06/2025, 21:59) Like (6) Dislike (13) Reply
    As I have been saying, it should be advertised that the white sandy beach needs to be approach with caution by tourist, since many of them never swam in salt water which have different buoyancy than lakes that they Bien swimming in, some of them is getting to see the ocean for the first in real life, places like Idaho residents never saw an ocean, so they get here excited to enter our blue water with white sands and drown, it has been happening all over the Caribbean with us the tourism officials failing to see this, to post advisory at airports and hotels and marketing.
    • c (10/06/2025, 06:50) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
      Don’t forget how much drinking goes on while they are here on vacation. That contributes to accidents.
    • At Eldread (11/06/2025, 19:54) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
      The Government needs to work on improving the schools and fostering literacy
    • Hey Eldread (16/06/2025, 15:31) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      What you say is true but people float better in the Caribbean than in fresh water because sea water is denser. The man could have had an underlying medical condition.
  • Well Sah (09/06/2025, 22:11) Like (11) Dislike (7) Reply
    This must be a script from our movies . Every month or so someone drowns in VG ?
    There needs to be more security on those beaches to warn people of dangerous areas man.
  • again (09/06/2025, 22:45) Like (8) Dislike (8) Reply
    AGAIN? THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING QUITE OFTEN.
    • @again (10/06/2025, 10:29) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
      It's tragic, but statistically, bound to happen. Let's assume an average of 500 people a day in season go to the Baths. That's about 15,000 per month. Considering the treacherous path they're made to walk, or the long swim they have to take, it's a miracle more aren't lost.
  • Again... (10/06/2025, 05:38) Like (6) Dislike (20) Reply
    What's going on in VG? Are their evil spirits in the water, carelessness or the Island of murder for money?
    Whatever it is, not looking or sounding good for the Island
  • Lif3guards (10/06/2025, 06:26) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    Needed during tourist season
  • agreed (10/06/2025, 08:02) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    Things happen, but it has been happening quite often. Strange right? Perhaps some type of beach patrol should be placed in that area.
  • Visitors (10/06/2025, 08:08) Like (4) Dislike (8) Reply
    My family and I is on vacation and we have decided not to go swimming while on Island.
  • Starts (10/06/2025, 08:29) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    And the season starts.
  • jack (10/06/2025, 09:02) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    Hope it’s not an insurance scam
  • INSURANCE MONEY (10/06/2025, 10:46) Like (7) Dislike (9) Reply
    I FIND TOO OFTEN A "TOURIST" ALWAYS DROWNING IN OUR BVI WATERS. IS IT BECAUSE WE NEVER SOLVE CRIMES AND SOMEBODY GET FREE INSURANCE MONEY???
  • tt (10/06/2025, 19:30) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
    Is who does send then they body?
  • Correct me if I am wrong but (11/06/2025, 13:54) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    Many of the persons/tourists/visitors come to the islands on vacation without getting check-ups to see if they should be swimming or snorkeling.
    Then there are those who know they should not be taking part in any vigorous activities such as swimming but they do nonetheless.
    Many of these persons go into cardiac arrest then drown.
    May the family find solace at this difficult time.
    • Jrt007 (12/06/2025, 21:10) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      This is most likely what happened. Didn’t drown. And did have heart issues.
  • ... (11/06/2025, 18:49) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    rip. Some people do not touch the sea for good reason others take out to sea for a swim solo.
  • I would say it (11/06/2025, 20:05) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Not only that the current running between those rock can take you by surprise and take you out deep. The bathes to ne more serious than devil's bay
  • Buddy System (12/06/2025, 06:48) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Should be protocol for all charter companies at The Baths
  • Not drowning (12/06/2025, 09:38) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of the drowning victims actually had a heart attack while swimming and that consequently causes them to drown. No life guard would be able to help them. Very sad
  • Sprunki Retake (12/06/2025, 22:36) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    My condolences to the victim and family.
  • lisa (13/06/2025, 20:12) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    does the BVI have Lifeguards on duty? Too many drowning deaths.
  • Madea (14/06/2025, 18:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It’s really bad that the BVI has no full time permanent rescue body or lifeguards at this spot - where lives have been lost before - and has to rely on volunteers. If I was the wife I would sue the BVI Government for not providing lifeguards.
  • Concern Citizens - BVI (16/06/2025, 18:24) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Tourist/Visitors - Drowning in BVI Waters

    In response to this comment - I agree very much with that statement concerning Tourist or Visitors Drowning in BVI Waters.

    It is true, that a lot of these Tourist or Visitors come down Here (to the BVI) and drown their loves ones and go back to the United States to collect the deceased Life Insurance Benefits

    I been talking about this matter and other concern citizens have been talking about it as well, but this matter is not being address.

    This issue about Visitors or Tourists drowning in BVI waters or falling off boats; These incidents have being going on for many years - then their love one goes back to the United States and collect the deceased Insurance benefit.

    Most of these Victims are elderly persons and mostly white people. These incidents need to be investigated.

  • Dirk (28/06/2025, 03:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He had a heart condition…. It is very sad… just chose this moment to stop… he had a clean bill of health and was otherwise very strong and a good swimmer.
    I know this as a close personal friend.


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