Tributes have flooded social media following the tragic death of five-year-old Liam Bridgeman yesterday.
The child died while attending a pool party at Coverley, Christ Church with classmates at the St Cyprian’s Boys School.
When Barbados TODAY contacted the family this morning, mother Sheena Jackson and his grandmother Sandra Wharton were too devastated to speak.
Friends have however taken to Facebook to express their condolences and support for the grieving family.
“I ask that you would watch over Sheena Jackson, Sandra Wharton and Steve at this time Lord only you know what their going through at this time Father, touch each and everyone who has ever come in contact with Liam over the last five years,” one moving tribute said.
“Rest in peace, Liam, you will be missed, said another and, “May God grant them strength at this time of bereavement, RIP Liam, God knows best.”
Police are continuing investigations into the incident which occurred around 5:20 p.m.
According to police Public Relations Officer Roland Cobbler, the child was in the pool playing with a number of children.
He was later observed motionless with his face down in the water. He was pulled from the water, CPR was administered and an ambulance was summoned.
He was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
One of the parents who attended the party told Barbados TODAY he was still in shock and that he found it difficult explaining to his son all that occurred.
“Everything happened so fast, “ he said.
Update: Family rocked by Liam's death - by Barbados Today October 16, 2016 
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Barbados Today Published on
October 16, 2016
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Barbados Today
Barbados Today
October 16, 2016
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144 Replies to “Update: Family rocked by Liam's death”
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We will keep them in our prayers.
We will keep them in our prayers.
So sad . RIP. Codolences to his loved ones .
So sad . RIP. Codolences to his loved ones .
Condolences to the family
Condolences to the family
Truly sad and heartbreaking
Truly sad and heartbreaking
So sad my condolences to u n ur family rip
So sad my condolences to u n ur family rip
This is so sad, my heart is hurting for his parents and family. may God grant them the strength to endure this tragic loss of their son. RIP little one.
This is so sad, my heart is hurting for his parents and family. may God grant them the strength to endure this tragic loss of their son. RIP little one.
Never easy losing a loved one. Condolences
Never easy losing a loved one. Condolences
So very sad. RIP Liam
So very sad. RIP Liam
RIP little one
RIP little one
My sympathy to the family of this little boy,may he Rest In Peace.
My sympathy to the family of this little boy,may he Rest In Peace.
So sad my condolences to his family.
So sad my condolences to his family.
Rip liam .
Rip liam .
Very sad…praying for peace and understanding.
Very sad…praying for peace and understanding.
so much can happen in a pool with children you drown faster in a pool than in the sea the water is still and dead and less splash to notice if he was in trouble cudear RI P lilttle one my heart goes out to the family words cant express, I get scared with my son even when we go to the sea and he is a big boy and can swim I still get butterflies the sea has no back door
so much can happen in a pool with children you drown faster in a pool than in the sea the water is still and dead and less splash to notice if he was in trouble cudear RI P lilttle one my heart goes out to the family words cant express, I get scared with my son even when we go to the sea and he is a big boy and can swim I still get butterflies the sea has no back door
I’m speechless & saddened! Where was the supervision?? Smh
These things do happen so fast ….
Agreed…but ppl need 2b more responsible when dealing with these little ones….
Accident?? U feel dis is a car or a fall @ work?! Someone’s 5 old drowned while adults where suppose 2b watching!
Goodness….My deeCondolences goes out 2 dem…Very Grimm situation…
I’m speechless & saddened! Where was the supervision?? Smh
These things do happen so fast ….
Agreed…but ppl need 2b more responsible when dealing with these little ones….
Accident?? U feel dis is a car or a fall @ work?! Someone’s 5 old drowned while adults where suppose 2b watching!
Goodness….My deeCondolences goes out 2 dem…Very Grimm situation…
Sheena I don’t know you but I wish I could hold u and cry with you right now. I am sincerely praying for you the whole morning and will continue to do so. Only God can comfort you dear! Liam sweet boy I know you’re with Jesus now, but mom and dad, relatives and friends wish you were here now. God bless , sigh!
Sheena I don’t know you but I wish I could hold u and cry with you right now. I am sincerely praying for you the whole morning and will continue to do so. Only God can comfort you dear! Liam sweet boy I know you’re with Jesus now, but mom and dad, relatives and friends wish you were here now. God bless , sigh!
Oh nooooooo maaaan, my heart aches for his family….R.I.P little one.
Oh nooooooo maaaan, my heart aches for his family….R.I.P little one.
My thoughts too Fabian
My thoughts too Fabian
sorry for your lost my God give you strenght
sorry for your lost my God give you strenght
No words can explain how sad it is but condolences to the family & friends of this lil angel
No words can explain how sad it is but condolences to the family & friends of this lil angel
Very tragic loss…..
Very tragic loss…..
I personally don’t think no one intentionally mean to put dowm these parents… They sent their child to a party. But let me tell wunna a secret. Parents nowadays (party holders) are not as responsible as in the past… So when ya children gine to a party, go with them, when dem enter a pool or a jumping tent watch them carefully… Cause I personally know a lot of little Dexters…. So sorry this boy died this way…. May he rest in peace… May his parents find comfort in God’s mercy… I just can’t imagine what they are going through… I personally would go mad!
You have made a valid point, where was the strong supervision that was necessary for children in a pool ? It i a very sad case one which would have torn me to the core if i was his parent. I truly express my sympathies to his entire family this is truly sad.
I personally don’t think no one intentionally mean to put dowm these parents… They sent their child to a party. But let me tell wunna a secret. Parents nowadays (party holders) are not as responsible as in the past… So when ya children gine to a party, go with them, when dem enter a pool or a jumping tent watch them carefully… Cause I personally know a lot of little Dexters…. So sorry this boy died this way…. May he rest in peace… May his parents find comfort in God’s mercy… I just can’t imagine what they are going through… I personally would go mad!
You have made a valid point, where was the strong supervision that was necessary for children in a pool ? It i a very sad case one which would have torn me to the core if i was his parent. I truly express my sympathies to his entire family this is truly sad.
My condolences to the family
My condolences to the family
My heart hurts my condolences goes out to his family.r I.p lil guy.
My heart hurts my condolences goes out to his family.r I.p lil guy.
When your children get invited to party please go with them and pay them the attention cause the person’s holding these party ain’t got time to babysit
When your children get invited to party please go with them and pay them the attention cause the person’s holding these party ain’t got time to babysit
Oh dear instead of being there,when you were not,please pray for the parents and children associated with Liam.Things can happen in a second.Who knows until the autopsy comes back.Sometimes you have your eyes on children and the moment you glance away things happen.My son is 23 and I never allowed him to go to pool parties.My thing is we were not there.Could Lord feel for the parent or parents that kept the party.Feel for his parents.Don’t go ballistic with your comments.People have feelings.You never know when it will be your turn.Dear Lord in heaven watch over us.Accidents can happen to anyone.Calm their troubled minds,soothe their angry hearts.
Oh dear instead of being there,when you were not,please pray for the parents and children associated with Liam.Things can happen in a second.Who knows until the autopsy comes back.Sometimes you have your eyes on children and the moment you glance away things happen.My son is 23 and I never allowed him to go to pool parties.My thing is we were not there.Could Lord feel for the parent or parents that kept the party.Feel for his parents.Don’t go ballistic with your comments.People have feelings.You never know when it will be your turn.Dear Lord in heaven watch over us.Accidents can happen to anyone.Calm their troubled minds,soothe their angry hearts.
I meant that when my son was small I would not allow him to go.As an adult if he does all I can do is pray
I meant that when my son was small I would not allow him to go.As an adult if he does all I can do is pray
Some ppl fail to understand it may not be that the children werent supervise properly…with children sometimes things can happen so fast it leaves u speechless…i personally dont know these ppl but it hurts me as if it was one of my own….my deepest condolences to the family and friends at this time…..
I don’t know what happened but, with the right supervision, no child can drown in a pool. Noneeeeeee. I am assuming he drowned and it wasn’t anything else. There is no split second when children are in a pool playing. Things are put in place to have eyes on them every split second.
Its true but none of us was there so nobody can say. I personally had an experience with my son when he was about 2 or 3 i was sitting directly next to him, i looked away to tell my cousin something could not have been more than a few secs, the child tore up a baby wipe and stuffed it in his nose, a lady came to me the same time and showed me what he was doing( bare in mind i only looked away) by the time she told me he started crying had to rush him to the hospital and prep for surgery, good thing his father was understanding because in that little time nobody around us knew how it happened…..anybody would have asked how was i sitting directly next to him and did not see
Stacia we are speaking of a pool here get it?
Some ppl fail to understand it may not be that the children werent supervise properly…with children sometimes things can happen so fast it leaves u speechless…i personally dont know these ppl but it hurts me as if it was one of my own….my deepest condolences to the family and friends at this time…..
I don’t know what happened but, with the right supervision, no child can drown in a pool. Noneeeeeee. I am assuming he drowned and it wasn’t anything else. There is no split second when children are in a pool playing. Things are put in place to have eyes on them every split second.
Its true but none of us was there so nobody can say. I personally had an experience with my son when he was about 2 or 3 i was sitting directly next to him, i looked away to tell my cousin something could not have been more than a few secs, the child tore up a baby wipe and stuffed it in his nose, a lady came to me the same time and showed me what he was doing( bare in mind i only looked away) by the time she told me he started crying had to rush him to the hospital and prep for surgery, good thing his father was understanding because in that little time nobody around us knew how it happened…..anybody would have asked how was i sitting directly next to him and did not see
Stacia we are speaking of a pool here get it?
This is so heart breaking. My prayers are with the family
This is so heart breaking. My prayers are with the family
No matter how much supervision. There is an unguarded moment.
Party and pools for children, should be ruled out.
My heart felt condolences goes out to this child’s parent and the person hosting
Well, that settles that! By the same logic, no more driving cars then!
Logic? You mean lack thereof, lol
Yes, that was sarcasm 😉
An unguarded moment? With the proper supervision there is no child under my watch that can drown……..noneeeeeeeeeeeeee
No matter how much supervision. There is an unguarded moment.
Party and pools for children, should be ruled out.
My heart felt condolences goes out to this child’s parent and the person hosting
Well, that settles that! By the same logic, no more driving cars then!
Logic? You mean lack thereof, lol
Yes, that was sarcasm 😉
An unguarded moment? With the proper supervision there is no child under my watch that can drown……..noneeeeeeeeeeeeee
Continuation
Dis situation is so sad. Condolences to the family
Continuation
Dis situation is so sad. Condolences to the family
Guess we parents will be on the alert now. I don’t like this pool party thing at all. Not even for my grown children.
Guess we parents will be on the alert now. I don’t like this pool party thing at all. Not even for my grown children.
But why a pool party and theres children hmmm rip lil man
But why a pool party and theres children hmmm rip lil man
It’s a sad situation why a young child like him could lose his life like this. My heartfelt condolences must go out to his family and friends because I’m not in the mood for accusing anyone on this tragedy.
It’s a sad situation why a young child like him could lose his life like this. My heartfelt condolences must go out to his family and friends because I’m not in the mood for accusing anyone on this tragedy.
and to the person hosting the party. It cannot be easy for all involved.
and to the person hosting the party. It cannot be easy for all involved.
Very sad it was just an Unforunate Accident … Heartfelt Condolences to His Entire Family and friends ….. To all who will point fingers please Dont … Things happen before a blink of an Eye … Give our support to his mum and family .. May He R.I.P and rise in Glory …. My Heart is feeling it for his family …
Very sad it was just an Unforunate Accident … Heartfelt Condolences to His Entire Family and friends ….. To all who will point fingers please Dont … Things happen before a blink of an Eye … Give our support to his mum and family .. May He R.I.P and rise in Glory …. My Heart is feeling it for his family …
May God grant the family, relatives and friends comfort at this time…May Liam S.i.P!
May God grant the family, relatives and friends comfort at this time…May Liam S.i.P!
This is horrific accident my prayers may he rest in peace my heart goes out to all his family and friends may you find strength at this time and keep the memories strong.
This is horrific accident my prayers may he rest in peace my heart goes out to all his family and friends may you find strength at this time and keep the memories strong.
Brenda M. Earle
Brenda M. Earle
Agreed.
Agreed.
Jeeeeez! My condolences I am extremely sorry and saddened by this news. I pray and pray for that little boys soul in heaven!
While accidents do happen I hope the family and hosts are prepared to explain and co operate fully. A little boy has died at their home with nuff witnesses so they need to deal with the interrogations and understandable anger from the family of this child.
With regards to drowning and incidents off land it is compulsory children learn how to swim.
Jeeeeez! My condolences I am extremely sorry and saddened by this news. I pray and pray for that little boys soul in heaven!
While accidents do happen I hope the family and hosts are prepared to explain and co operate fully. A little boy has died at their home with nuff witnesses so they need to deal with the interrogations and understandable anger from the family of this child.
With regards to drowning and incidents off land it is compulsory children learn how to swim.
May his soul rest in peace.
May his soul rest in peace.
I won’t comment on this yet but, u all were just the other day saying a mother was irresponsible for letting her son get into a gorrilla’s den.
I won’t comment on this yet but, u all were just the other day saying a mother was irresponsible for letting her son get into a gorrilla’s den.
Hmmmm. So sad to read of this. My condolences. Won’t say what I wish to at this point.
Hmmmm. So sad to read of this. My condolences. Won’t say what I wish to at this point.
Terribly sad. Most sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Thoughts & prayers
Terribly sad. Most sincere condolences to all his family and friends. Thoughts & prayers
My condolences to the family may he rest in peace
My condolences to the family may he rest in peace
RIP little one my heart goes out to the families
RIP little one my heart goes out to the families
My prayers are for all those who feels the pain as parents we all sorrow at this moment God knows best he is still in control amen
My prayers are for all those who feels the pain as parents we all sorrow at this moment God knows best he is still in control amen
Was this an accidental drowning?
This needs thorough investigation with the rate that children are being harmed in Barbados today.
we all ought to wait for the conclusion of the Police investigation of the matter.
Things are not always what they first appear to be. Just saying.
Was this an accidental drowning?
This needs thorough investigation with the rate that children are being harmed in Barbados today.
we all ought to wait for the conclusion of the Police investigation of the matter.
Things are not always what they first appear to be. Just saying.
If one cannot say something good, it is better to say nothing. I hope none of those affected by this tragedy will read your post. IMHO they are inappropriate. You appear to be making insinuations of something sinister.
If one cannot say something good, it is better to say nothing. I hope none of those affected by this tragedy will read your post. IMHO they are inappropriate. You appear to be making insinuations of something sinister.
Rip Liam , was such sweet child, only God can help u Sheena in this sad time.
Rip Liam , was such sweet child, only God can help u Sheena in this sad time.
He is just being the ass he always is.
Ha ha ha Harry…..I know he is the resident yard fowl and most of the times he could be an annoying paling cock like now…. but an ass too ? lord have mercy like you know something I don’t know.
He is just being the ass he always is.
Ha ha ha Harry…..I know he is the resident yard fowl and most of the times he could be an annoying paling cock like now…. but an ass too ? lord have mercy like you know something I don’t know.
May the God of all comfort, grant his parents the peace that is needed at this time. So sorry for your lost, this can be so heart breaking for all who were there to witness. and those children may need some counselling. May he rest in peace and I hope and pray for strength for all who mourn.
May the God of all comfort, grant his parents the peace that is needed at this time. So sorry for your lost, this can be so heart breaking for all who were there to witness. and those children may need some counselling. May he rest in peace and I hope and pray for strength for all who mourn.
So awful sad Rip wee Angel xx
So awful sad Rip wee Angel xx
You mean to tell me that parents do not know that one of them MUST ALWAYS ACCOMPANY their children at pool parties or when going to the beach.
Individual supervision is a MUST at these events and blame must be put solely and squarely on the PARENTS …MOTHER in this case.
Supervising children in School is hard enough….at a pool party it would be tougher as they would be over excited and running up and down the place.
An investigation should be done to find out whether PARENTS or GUARDIANS were asked to accompany their children or whether that was done and some parents left their own children to be supervised by others.
You mean to tell me that parents do not know that one of them MUST ALWAYS ACCOMPANY their children at pool parties or when going to the beach.
Individual supervision is a MUST at these events and blame must be put solely and squarely on the PARENTS …MOTHER in this case.
Supervising children in School is hard enough….at a pool party it would be tougher as they would be over excited and running up and down the place.
An investigation should be done to find out whether PARENTS or GUARDIANS were asked to accompany their children or whether that was done and some parents left their own children to be supervised by others.
Had that child been taught tyo swim at the age of three, The second he went under he would have held his breath, resurfaced, and swam to a safe location in that pool. I taught my children to swim from since they were around three. I now have five grandchildren at ages ranging from 17 months to 10. I am proud to report that except for the 17 month old, they are all good swimmers I watch them compete in the large section at the Aquatic Center. The youngest one handles himself well but someone is ALWAYS with him. I call them my little sharks. Swimming should be mandatory for all children. It should be part of our curriculum. For every one who posted their condolences, send $20.00 That’ll help offset funeral expenses. I’m not being facetious, I’m just saying put your money where your mouth i9s. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re sooo sorry.
Had that child been taught tyo swim at the age of three, The second he went under he would have held his breath, resurfaced, and swam to a safe location in that pool. I taught my children to swim from since they were around three. I now have five grandchildren at ages ranging from 17 months to 10. I am proud to report that except for the 17 month old, they are all good swimmers I watch them compete in the large section at the Aquatic Center. The youngest one handles himself well but someone is ALWAYS with him. I call them my little sharks. Swimming should be mandatory for all children. It should be part of our curriculum. For every one who posted their condolences, send $20.00 That’ll help offset funeral expenses. I’m not being facetious, I’m just saying put your money where your mouth i9s. Yeah, yeah, yeah, you’re sooo sorry.