The Tribune

A PARENT from Grenada died during the CARIFTA aquatics championships on Saturday.

In a statement, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture said that the parent collapsed and fell in the stands due to a pre-existing medical condition.

The statement said: "The on-hand CARIFTA team of medical professionals immediately responded rendering emergency care, and then swiftly engaged the on-site ambulance personnel for emergency transport. Despite the best efforts of all medical personnel at the complex, in the ambulance and at the Princess Margaret Hospital, the individual passed away at the hospital."

The Tribune understands the parent is Sean Dowden, whose daughter, Sara, is part of the Grenada swim team.

The ministry statement added: "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, especially the young swim athlete who tragically lost her father and his accompanied wife who lost her husband. This unfortunate loss is deeply felt and is reverberating throughout the CARIFTA Aquatics Community here and across the Caribbean."

Algernon Cargill, president of the Bahamas Aquatics Federation, also extended his sympathy to the family and to the Caribbean swim community. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg also expressed his condolences to the young athlete, the parent's wife and extended family and to the people of Grenada.

The statement added: "We pray that God will comfort and keep you during this most difficult time. Rest assured of the prayers of this nation and the entire Caribbean community."

UPDATE: The Grenada Amateur Swimming Association has also issued a statement, saying: "It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that the Grenada Amateur Swimming Association announces the sudden passing of Mr Sean Dowden, father and husband of our national swimmer, Sara, and Sandra Dowden, respectively.

"Sean Dowden passed unexpectedly on Saturday evening in The Bahamas where he travelled to support his daughter, senior national swimmer Sara Dowden, and the entire Grenada team at the 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships.

"Sean was a loving and dedicated father, husband and swim parent. His sudden passing has come as a devastating shock to his family, and the entire team. The GASA executive in The Bahamas, and Grenada are working along with CARIFTA officials on the ground in The Bahamas to provide support for the family and entire team to ensure their well-being during this difficult period.

"Sean Dowden was a committed swim parent and avid supporter of the discipline of swimming. It is in this spirt, and after much deliberation and consultation with his family, the GASA executive will support the team as they continue to compete at the 2024 CARIFTA Swim Championship. As the family and team grapple with this devastating loss, we ask for your support and sensitivity particularly toward the family during htis period.

"Please continue to support our entire team as they compete at the 2024 CARIFTA Swimming Championships in hounour and loving memory of Sean Dowden."