Gratitude despite tragedy - Family of drowning victim rewards searchers for finding his body

In a show of gratitude, the family of Omar Skyers - who drowned while enjoying a day at the river last month - presented $100,000 to the three people who played a vital role in the 16-day search for his missing body.

On September 12, 25-year-old Skyers and his friend, 19-year-old Chrisan Steele, reportedly went swimming in the Wag Water River in Castleton, St Mary, when they were swept away by rushing waters due to heavy rains. Steele's body was recovered by a search team two days later in the Flint River area of Castleton, but Skyers' body was not found until September 28 in a river in Broadgate.

Throughout those 16 days, Skyers' family travelled from Seaview Gardens in St Andrew to St Mary almost daily to assist in the search. There, they witnessed the relentless dedication of Georgia Phillips, Owain Stephenson, and Steven Hilton, who tirelessly worked alongside them to find Skyers' body.

"They were there every day and we saw all the work that they put in, so it (the money])was just a gesture to show them that we really do appreciate all the work that they have done," said Sashenee Ogilvie, who was a friend of Skyers for over a decade. She also told THE STAR that finding his body was not an easy task because there was consistent heavy rain.

"But all when the rain a tear, dem deh wid wi same way. Them still guh out there and put themselves at risk fi find him," Ogilvie said. "It (the search) wasn't the result that we were looking for, but at least now we have closure and for that we're really grateful." Ogilvie said.

Hilton, who discovered Skyers' body, told THE STAR that upon hearing of Skyers' disappearance, he felt compelled to help with the search. Despite being a father of two, the 44-year-old said he could not stand by and let Skyers' family search for him alone.

"Them alone couldn't do it, maybe them would a leave the same way how him [Skyers] leave. Cah some place mi guh, mi couldn't walk, mi afi just a swim, because the water really, really heavy," Hilton said.

"A cah me know the water and me know the place; but yuh see, this river is not a easy river. It's a dangerous river. Yuh will can swim and start drown, a suh dah river yah stay. It nuh like stranger," Hilton explained.

He added that although he appreciates the kind gesture, he wished the outcome of the search was different.

"Mi grateful, but mi still nuh feel alright, because the man dead; the money cyah bring him back," Hiliton said.