The body of 11-year-old Adriana Younge has arrived in the United States for a second autopsy and advanced forensic testing, following her tragic death that sparked nationwide protests in Guyana.
Reports indicate that Adriana’s remains were flown out of Georgetown early Monday morning, making a stop in Miami before reaching Atlanta. Two U.S.-based pathologists will conduct the examination at a specialized forensic facility, with Adriana’s family having traveled ahead to be present during the process.
The young girl’s body was recovered on April 24 from the pool at Double Day Hotel in Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, one day after she went missing from the same location. At the time, Adriana had been at the hotel pool with her grandmother and relatives. When she disappeared, family members sought help from hotel staff to search the area, but access was reportedly denied as police secured the scene.
Initial police reports that Adriana was seen leaving the hotel in a Toyota Raum were later retracted. Region 3 Divisional Commander Khalid Mandlall, who confirmed the information was false, has since been placed on administrative leave. Two other officers have also been relieved of duty pending further investigation.
An initial autopsy conducted by three overseas pathologists listed drowning as the cause of death. However, public concern has grown over Adriana’s physical condition and the circumstances surrounding her death, fueling widespread skepticism.
The hotel owner, Bhojnauth Bhola, and several staff members were arrested but later released. DNA samples from both Adriana and Bhola have been sent overseas for analysis, and a toxicology report is still pending.
Unconvinced by the initial findings, Adriana’s family requested the second autopsy abroad, which is now underway.
Civil society groups, including the “Mothers in Black” from Linden, have held peaceful marches calling for justice for Adriana and other victims of alleged police abuse.
The Guyanese government has pledged full transparency in the investigation and ongoing support for Adriana’s family.
