Police Confirm Death: 61-Yr-Old Graham Spurling

[Updated with video. Police confirm that 61 year old Graham Spurling of St. George’s died while out kayaking, and said there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.]

A kayaker ran into difficulty in the Ferry Reach area this afternoon [June 27], and police have appealed for assistance in identifying the man.

Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “Between 1.00pm – 1.45pm this afternoon, police received a report that a kayaker ran into difficulty in the Ferry Reach area.”

Mr Caines described the man as a white male, in his 60s, with blonde and grey hair. He would not go into specifics, but Mr Caines did say the man’s condition was considered “grave.”

Police have asked for assistance in identifying the man as he did not have any identification on his person. Anyone who can assist is asked to call 205-0011, or Inspector Tracey Burgess on 717-2000.

Update 4.33pm: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines has confirmed that the man has died.

Update 4.58pm: A video statement from Police Spokesman Robin Simmons is added below. He said the man was kayaking in the Ferry Reach waters, and came into difficulty.

He was assisted by members of the public, but subsequently died. “At this point we are still confirming his identity,” said Mr Simmons. “We believe him to be a local male…a white local male.”

Update 6.05pm: The police said his identity has been confirmed as a 61 year old St. George’s man, and said there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. The full police statement is below.

Around 2:30pm on Thursday, June 27th police and first responders were dispatched to a reported medical emergency at Ferry Reach in St. George’s.

It appears that a 61 year old St. George’s man was kayaking in the area before getting out of the kayak and going for a swim. Members of the public in the area then noticed the male was apparently in difficulty and came to his assistance.

The victim was given CPR at the scene, which was continued by EMTs who transported him to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

Inquiries are ongoing; however there does not appear to be any suspicious circumstances.

Update June 28, 11.31am: The police have confirmed the death of 61 year old Graham Spurling of St. George’s, and thank the members of the public that provided first aid at the scene. The full police statement follows below.

The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the sudden death of 61 year old Graham Spurling of St. George’s.

It appears that Mr. Spurling was kayaking in the Ferry Reach, St. George’s area around 2:30pm Thursday, June 27th before getting out of the kayak and going for a swim. Members of the public in the area then noticed Mr. Spurling was apparently in difficulty and came to his assistance.

The victim was given CPR at the scene, which was continued by EMTs who transported him to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Spurling at this tragic time. In addition, we would like to thank those members of the public that provided first aid to the victim at the scene.

#BermudaMarine

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