WISH Mourns Death of 19-Year-Old Zowie Tomlinson, Calls for Greater Mental Health Support

The Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing (WISH) has expressed profound sadness over the death of 19-year-old Zowie Tomlinson of Parham, whose body was recovered from the waters at Devil’s Bridge on Sunday morning following an overnight search operation.

Police and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard recovered the teenager’s body after an extensive search that began late Saturday night.

In a statement issued on Sunday, WISH extended its deepest condolences to Tomlinson’s family, friends, and the wider Parham community, describing her death as a national tragedy.

“We are devastated,” said WISH Founder Chaneil Imhoff. “Zowie was somebody’s daughter, somebody’s friend, somebody’s neighbour. Nineteen years is no age to feel that there is no way forward. We grieve with her family today, and we grieve as a country that has not yet done enough to ensure that our young people can access mental health support when they need it most.”

The organisation urged members of the public to show care and compassion in discussing the tragedy, particularly on social media. WISH cautioned against speculation surrounding the circumstances of Tomlinson’s death, the sharing of graphic content, and commentary that reduces her life to the manner of her passing.

According to WISH, such actions can inflict further pain on grieving loved ones and negatively impact others who may be struggling with their own mental health challenges in silence.

The organisation also echoed the Police Administration’s appeal for the family’s privacy to be respected as investigations continue.

Addressing those who may be experiencing emotional pain, WISH issued a message of hope, reminding individuals that they are not alone and encouraging them to seek support.

WISH reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for sustainable, accessible, and culturally grounded mental health services in Antigua and Barbuda, stating that the death of a 19-year-old should serve as a call to action for the nation to strengthen mental health support systems for its young people.