-Prime Minister Phillip Davis, says he is ‘heartbroken’ after 16 year-old Saint Augustine’s College student, Madeline Thompson, plunged to her death after she fell from the 27th floor of a hotel while attending an international robotics competition in Central America over the last weekend.
‘Ann and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Madeline Thompson, a bright and beloved student of St. Augustine’s College, whose life ended far too soon while representing her school and country in Panama,’ Davis said in a statement posted on social media.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, Jerome and Shenique Thompson, her family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire St. Augustine’s College community.
We can only imagine the pain and grief they are enduring in this unimaginable moment.’
The St Augustine’s College had confirmed the death of the student during a school trip to Panama City, where the school was participating in the FIRST Global Robotics Challenge.
‘It is with the deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that St Augustine’s College confirms the tragic passing of one of our students in Panama City,’ the school said in a statement, adding that the delegation was accompanied by a parent, a chaperone, the principal, and members of the faculty..
‘The loss is felt profoundly by our entire school family. Our thoughts, prayers, and unwavering support are with the student’s family, loved ones, classmates, teachers, and all who are grieving during this unimaginable time,’ the statement added.
The school said it is in close communication with Panamanian authorities and is providing support where needed.
The media in Panama said that the incident occurred last Friday when the teenager fell from the 27th floor to the 12th landing in the hotel’s social area where the pool is located. Local reports said she was sharing a room with two classmates at the time.
Prime Minister Davis said the student was known for her kindness, her faith, and her spirit of service qualities that shone through in her volunteer work at St. Joseph’s Parish Soup Kitchen and in every space she touched.
‘Her light brought warmth to many and will be deeply missed. Ann and I pray that God grants her family strength and comfort in the days ahead, and that her memory lives on as a reminder of the goodness, promise, and hope that define the best of our Bahamian youth.’
Director General of Foreign Affairs, Jerusa Ali, said that Bahamian officials are in touch with government officials in Panama.
‘It’s really a tragedy. We are in contact with the organizers of the event, it was a robotics event for school-age children. We’re also in contact with our honorary council in Panama who’s spoken with Panamanian officials and who’s spoken with the family of Ms. Thompson,’ Ali said.
‘We have a network of honorary councils, including one in Panama, who we rely on for consular assistance when we have a death of a Bahamian national or somebody who’s
The St Joseph’s Parish here described the student as a ‘cherished member of our parish family who served faithfully at the St Joseph’s Soup Kitchen every Saturday.
‘Her kind heart, gentle spirit, and willingness to help others reflected the love of Christ in all she did,’ the St. Joseph Parish said in a statement, adding ‘we join her parents.loved ones, and the entire St Augustine’s College community in mourning this heartbreaking loss’.