The Tribune

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

LOVED ones gathered yesterday for a tear filled service in honour of a father-of-three who has been missing for more than three months.

Marking the 50th birthday of Rufus Frederick Storr, family and friends sang hymns and reflected on the life of the jet-ski operator at Montagu Ramp.

Renewing calls for answers in her nephew’s disappearance, Sandra Rolle led the service as his 74-year-old mother Rosemarie, and daughters Rashan, 23, and Fredericka, 28, struggled to maintain composure.

Mr Storr also has an 18-year-old son, Ashien.

Ms Rolle said: “We have called (police) repeatedly but have gotten nothing. We had a meeting with the commissioner in September at which time he directed his officers to work with the family, but since then there has been nothing.

“We just want some answers.

“Today is his 50th birthday and we don’t know anymore than we knew then. When you look at all the breakthroughs they have in other cases, you can’t help but feel like this is being overlooked, like it’s not that important.”

Storr disappeared in waters off Cabbage Beach in mid-August. Police have released few details, other than to say he was last seen on Paradise Island around 3.15pm on Sunday, August 18.

According to Tribune sources, it is thought that Storr went missing after he took a woman, an employee of the Ocean Club, for a ride on his jet ski.

Sources say the pair left the beach, and the woman was found in the water about half an hour later.

She was wearing Storr’s life jacket but he was nowhere in sight. His jet ski was discovered a few minutes later against some rocks.

At that time, the woman was said to have told police she and Storr went for a ride on the jet ski, and he decided he wanted to go for a swim when they were in deep water.

She said she told him she did not know how to swim, so Storr left her on the jet ski and went alone.

The woman claims he never resurfaced. She was picked up a short time later by a passerby in a boat.

At the ramp yesterday, loved ones declined to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Mr Storr’s disappearance, with the spiritual leaders present calling on relatives to leave their questions to God.

Business associates reflected on Mr Storr’s kindness, genuine character and work ethic.

Family members released balloons following the service, and also at Cabbage Beach.

Calls placed to the police for an update on the status of investigations were not returned up to press time.