A tragic series of events unfolded as two men lost their lives in separate incidents, one while swimming in Maryland and another during a vacation in the Turks and Caicos. Scott Veras, a 20-year-old from Queens, New York, was found deceased after going missing in Liberty Reservoir on July 3. Despite the "No Swimming" signs around the reservoir, and the dangers of rapid drop-offs and cold water temperatures, Veras and friends attempted to swim to an island, resulting in his disappearance and subsequent death, as per CBS New York.
According to CBS New York, "[H]e and three friends were swimming, they went down and jumped in the water. They swam across to an island, and about halfway across, this gentleman, a 20-year-old Hispanic male, he started to go underwater," relayed Lt. Brandon Holland of the Carroll County Sheriff's Office. Local and state agencies including the Maryland State Police convened for an extensive search, which concluded on July 5, when Veras' body was recovered.
In a separate incident, the body of a male in a state of decomposition was found on July 5, near Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos. It has been publicly disclosed during the search for Brian Tarrence, a 51-year-old man from New York City. Tarrence who has last seen on surveillance footage on June 25, vanished while vacationing with his wife, Maria. The discovery was announced by the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF), although they have not yet formally identified the body as that of Tarrence.
"The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased," Acting Commissioner of Police Rodney Adams stated. Tarrence's whereabouts had become concerning after he did not return from a walk in the island's downtown area, as captured on surveillance. According to a People interview with private investigator Carl DeFazio, working with the Tarrence family, Brian was seen "with his phone in his hand, and his wallet on his person as he walked down the street."
The families of both Veras and Tarrence, confronted with inconsolable loss, are a sobering reminder that amidst our pursuit of leisure and connection, risk often swims silent and unseen. The Carroll County Sheriff's Office and the RTCIPF have extended their condolences and reminded the public to let the due process of investigation unfold before drawing conclusions.
