A quiet summer evening in Sanford, Maine, turned devastating when two teenage stepbrothers disappeared during a visit to a popular swimming spot.
What authorities later discovered made the tragedy even more poignant: the boys were found holding onto each other, a final gesture of connection and care.
In July of last year, 17-year-old Tavayne Weir and his 16-year-old stepbrother, D’andre Graham, told their family they were heading to the Springvale Recreation Area for a swim. The site is known for its 30-foot cliffs, where adventurous swimmers often leap into the water, though lifeguards typically monitor the area only during daytime hours.
When the teens missed their 10 p.m. curfew, their parents alerted local authorities. Police arrived to find the boys’ car parked at the recreation area around 11 p.m., but the brothers themselves were nowhere in sight.
The Sanford Fire Department joined the search, and after roughly an hour and a half, rescuers recovered the boys from the water. “Using flashlights and high-intensity lights, they were able to locate them below the water,” Major Matthew Gagne of the Sanford Police Department told WMTW.
It remains unclear whether the teens were cliff-jumping or swimming at the time of the incident. Officials believe the boys were likely alone, but the exact circumstances leading to the tragedy are still under investigation.
Conclusion
The deaths of Tavayne Weir and D’andre Graham serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers young swimmers can face, even in familiar and popular recreation areas.
The image of the stepbrothers holding onto each other underscores the strength of their bond and leaves a lasting impression on their family and community. Authorities continue to investigate to better understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.