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Tourist killed in JvD boat accident is American Robert O. Stafford

The man who lost his life in a lone boating accident at Jost van Dyke on the night of March 22, 2023, has been identified as Robert O. Stafford, 33, of North Carolina, USA. Photo: Facebook
Our newsroom was informed that Mr Robert O. Stafford (left) who lost his wife (right) last year, was vacationing in the Virgin Islands with his young daughter when he became involved in the fatal boating accident. Photo: Facebook
Our newsroom was informed that Mr Robert O. Stafford (left) who lost his wife (right) last year, was vacationing in the Virgin Islands with his young daughter when he became involved in the fatal boating accident. Photo: Facebook
GREAT HARBOUR, Jost van Dyke- The man who lost his life in a lone boating accident at Jost van Dyke on the night of March 22, 2023, has been identified as Robert O. Stafford, 33, of North Carolina, USA.

Unconfirmed reports reaching our newsroom are that the dinghy Mr Stafford was operating collided with a fallen tree in the water at Great Harbour, in the vicinity of Foxy's Restaurant and Bar.

Mr Stafford was reportedly found unresponsive in the waters with injuries to the head while the dinghy he was in was met circling in the area. Following attempts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) today, March 27, 2023, confirmed the identity of the deceased.

It also said investigations into the boating accident are ongoing therefore no other information is available at this time.

Our newsroom was informed that Mr Stafford, who lost his wife last year, was vacationing in the Virgin Islands with his young daughter. 

18 Responses to “Tourist killed in JvD boat accident is American Robert O. Stafford”

  • Doll (27/03/2023, 17:46) Like (50) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP. Mr Stafford. My condolences to his daughter and his entire family. So sad this little girl has lost both of her parents in one year. We will keep you in our prayers.
  • Pampy (27/03/2023, 17:46) Like (4) Dislike (66) Reply
    Wow, he got a late night bommacoo from a tree in the sea. Wow. He got liss out for good cause of that bommacoo. District rep wrong for this!
    • Intentional (27/03/2023, 18:01) Like (51) Dislike (4) Reply
      I will not address the ignorant fool that wrote this comment for attention - don’t acknowledge the attention seeker.

      I will encourage my fellow commenters to please focus on the loss of life and the loss to the daughter - that is what is important right now. Condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you.
  • Sad (27/03/2023, 17:52) Like (36) Dislike (2) Reply
    Condolences to the family. Very sorry for the loss. He seems so young but God is in control.
  • Faithful (27/03/2023, 18:16) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    So sad.
  • Sad (27/03/2023, 19:28) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    Such a sad tragedy! Oh man that is so tough! Condolences to his family on this great loss.
  • Condolences (27/03/2023, 20:33) Like (19) Dislike (0) Reply
    To the family. So sad for the child. Prayers for peace and strength
  • King Charles (27/03/2023, 21:49) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    So just as I predicted, the tree that the tourist collided with was removed. This could have been prevented if we were not such a complacent society. Came for a vacation with his young daughter and ended up dead. So sad.
    • Sam (27/03/2023, 21:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      Yes its horrible to come on vacation and leave in a cardboard box.
    • Fact Checker (28/03/2023, 03:47) Like (6) Dislike (12) Reply
      @King Charles…

      So why you didn’t move it? The incident was very unfortunate but accidents do happen so I don’t know how you think this could have been prevented. Are you the almighty God?
    • think about it (28/03/2023, 06:23) Like (4) Dislike (7) Reply
      The tree was removed to eliminate evidence.
  • 1st district original (28/03/2023, 02:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    All I would say is we know the law, that if you were last at a bar and a accident happen, who then is the main contributior to the problem?
    • katmando (28/03/2023, 09:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      We do not have such a law here in the Virgin Islands. Condolences to the North Carolina family.
  • ... (28/03/2023, 09:42) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Rest in peace
  • mercy (28/03/2023, 10:04) Like (10) Dislike (4) Reply
    Dear Lord , only you know why but please Comfort his families who have now lost this both parents and left behind their little daughter. Please know the people of the BVI are truly sorry this happened and we will pray for you all. Amen and Amen
  • BVILOVE (28/03/2023, 12:24) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    So Who to blame now every body like to kill the white man so who black man going get blame for this just asking
  • To Fact Checker (28/03/2023, 16:21) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    If you are familiar with the area you would have noticed that the large, partially submerged tree was close to an area where a lot of yachts anchor. To get from their yachts to the bars and other areas on land, visitors have to use their small boats. So as a tourist destination, we have a responsibility to keep the area as safe as possible for residents and visitors alike. He may have been drunk but we don’t know that and should not assume. Let’s also be sensitive to the family who may be reading our comments.
  • Crabtree Letisha (29/03/2023, 00:10) Like (0) Dislike (4) Reply
    That has absolutely nothing to do with the issue being discussed. There was a list supplied, but the competitions weren't connected to the athletes' names uno online. The issue in question is unrelated to Adaejah in any way.



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