Two drowning incidents in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) over the weekend, including Attorney Ryan W. Green (in photo)— the well-known counsel who has worked in both districts and has been described as a good man by many — has left the St Thomas-St John community stunned by the tragic events. Photo: VIC

The same weekend, a beloved former physical education teacher, Vincent Henley, also lost his life during a motorcycle accident.

The [US] VI Police Department (VIPD) has not provided information on the drowning of Mr Green; however, the 911 Emergency Call Center reported that it received a call on Sunday at about 5:44 pm of a possible drowning in Peterborg at Platform Beach.

The emergency service said a couple observed a floating body in the water and worked to remove the body. Once on the shore, the couple started performing CPR, though they were not successful in their efforts to revive Mr Green.

Since the 911 Emergency Call Center's initial report, the VI Police Department has refused to provide further information, saying they need more time to complete their investigation. The Consortium will update this post with more details once the information is furnished by the police department.

'Beautiful memories in our hearts'

Condolences have been pouring in online for Mr Green after his intimate partner, Liss Irizarry confirmed his passing in an emotional post on the forum "What's Going on St Thomas?"

"Beautiful memories in our hearts my love, my partner, my everything, we made a beautiful family together with Roman William and your soul will rest in peace because I know you loved us too and you gave everything of you to us!" Ms Irizarry wrote. "Husband, father and friend I will love you forever and I will see you in our beautiful blessing Roman everyday, I promise to you that I will raise Roman with values and always to keep your loving memory as the excellent father and husband that you were. We love you forever Ryan William Greene my heart is totally broken in pieces!" The post has received well over a thousand reactions, including 299 comments.

Successful attorney

Green routinely handled complex litigation across the nation, though licensed in the USVI and Texas. He graduated from Baylor Law School and was a civil trial attorney "with over 22 years of experience litigating civil cases in state and federal courts throughout the United States and the United States Virgin Islands (St Thomas, St John, and St Croix). He has successfully tried numerous cases to jury verdicts in state and federal courts," according to information found on his website.

"Ryan was a fantastic person and a very good and experienced Plaintiffs lawyer," said Attorney Yohanna Manning. "He deeply cared about his cases and clients.  He was knowledgeable and tenacious.  The VI Bar has lost a legal eagle and the community has lost a good man."

Drowning on St John

Mr Green's passing on Sunday was not the only reported drowning in the STT-STJ Disrict over the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, a man identified as 27-year-old Kwesi Adams was pronounced dead in the area of Pond Bay, Chocolate Hole St John, the VIPD confirmed to the Consortium following an inquiry.

According to the report, Kwesi Adams was with his brother Tresan Adams along with another individual identified as Jay Savage to snorkel and scuba dive.

While diving for about 15 mins in shallow water, Tresan and Savage noticed that Kwesi was struggling in the water. According to the report, Tresan and Savage were able to get Kwesi onto a nearby rock and began mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Their efforts had some success as seawater started coming from Kwesi's mouth and he started breathing. However, according to the report, Kwesi lost consciousness again.

Tresan and Savage subsequently received help from a bystander in the area with a dinghy, who transported Kwesi to shore. The 911 Emergency Call Center was then contacted for EMS support.

EMS personnel arrived on the scene at about 4:54 p.m. and examined Kwesi, who had no vital signs. The victim was transported to the Myrah Keating Clinic for further medical care, however, he was pronounced dead by the attending physician.