Ryan Brown, whose body was retrieved from the Mazaruni River on Tuesday, died from asphyxiation but also sustained blunt trauma to his head and his back.
This is according to a post-mortem examination conducted on the body of Brown, 34, on Wednesday.
Brown was attempting to secure a boat to a nearby rock at an area called Itakie Falls when he slipped into the water, according to reports.
Speaking to Stabroek News, a family friend said the father of three, originally from Georgetown, was working on a vessel in Bartica where he was also living with his common-law wife.
The family friend also said that Brown’s mother was flying in from the United States prior to making funeral arrangements.
He noted that the family did not want to speculate about if there was any foul play and was relying on the police investigation to learn exactly what transpired.
The police and the Maritime Administration are still conducting their investigations.
Stephen Thomas, Director of Maritime Safety, said Brown’s body was retrieved approximately 100 yards from where he fell.
He could not confirm whether Brown was wearing a life jacket and said that the investigation was still ongoing.
