By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Perry Christie’s younger cousin was found hanging from a cord in the bathroom of his father’s residence on Wednesday in what police believe to be a suicide, The Tribune understands.

While Royal Bahamas Police Force officials did not release the victim’s identity, a source close to the family confirmed yesterday that he is 36-year-old attorney Brenford Christie. His father Wade Christie, who is the first cousin of the Prime Minister, made the gruesome discovery after returning to the home, the source said. The source said Brenford’s brother also died tragically several years ago.

“This is a very sad incident,” said the family friend, who did not want to be identified. “The same fate followed Brenford Christie’s brother a few years ago in Canada. He was such a promising young mind with a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he struggled with addiction of some sort.”

Police yesterday confirmed that they were investigating an apparent suicide of a man found inside an apartment at Sandy Port, West Bay Street. Police said a call was received shortly after 6.30pm. Upon responding to the call, the lifeless body of a man was found and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said while it appears to be suicide, an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

As news spread of the tragedy, sympathetic comments from friends of Brenford poured onto his Facebook page.

“You were always so positive about life and focused on success,” one friend posted. “This is just not sitting right with me, but the fact is that you are gone and my heart is breaking.”

Another friend said: “I am devastated. How, why? I am so confused. Bren, you were like my brother, I’m so heart broken. All my love goes out to mum and dad at this time.”

“I can’t believe this. First your brother, now you. I’m lost and confused. I don’t want to believe that my buddy is gone. I’ll miss you forever Bren. Love and condolences to your parents and family,” a friend said.

“On behalf of all of us who went to SAC with Bren, we express our most heartfelt condolences. Bren was a great man and a good friend. I have no idea what or how this happened. (I’m in) complete shock,” another friend wrote.

The Tribune attempted to get a comment from the prime minister on the death, however a statement was not provided up to press time.