By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmuunings@tribunemedia.net

THREE months after 23-year-old American tourist Dinari McAlmont drowned on Paradise Island, his mother, Michelle Bacchus-McAlmont, says she is still seeking clarity and closure, despite authorities having ruled out foul play.

Dinari, of Bowie, Maryland, was vacationing with his parents when he was found unresponsive on the beach early on April 5. According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, a post-mortem examination determined the cause of death was drowning, and investigators concluded there was no evidence of foul play. Toxicology results are pending, and the case is expected to be forwarded to His Majesty’s Coroner for final review.

Despite the official findings, Ms Bacchus-McAlmont says she feels left in the dark about details of her son’s final hours and has expressed frustration with what she describes as poor communication from Bahamian authorities. “No, I haven’t had any updates from the Bahamas authorities,” she said, adding that repeated attempts to reach investigators have gone unanswered.

The family held Dinari’s funeral on May 10. Ms Bacchus-McAlmont said she remains troubled by injuries she saw on her son during a brief viewing and has commissioned an independent autopsy in the United States.

Adding to her distress, she said key personal items, including Dinari’s sneakers and clothing, have not been returned, though authorities did return his wallet and cards. “I don’t know where my son’s sneakers are. I don’t know where his clothing is,” she said.

While police have publicly stated the cause of death, Ms Bacchus-McAlmont insists more should be done to provide answers about the timeline and circumstances leading to her son’s drowning. “By now at least they should have given me an update,” she said.

The family’s lawyer, Keith Seymour Sr, has called the investigation inconclusive and urged a review of resort surveillance footage to confirm the timeline of events. Atlantis, the resort where the family stayed, has not issued a public statement.