Three Men Found Dead in Separate Incidents Across BVI —Police Launch Investigations

he Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed the identities of three men who were found deceased in separate incidents across the Territory between June 6 and June 9.

The first incident occurred on Friday, June 6, when the body of 47-year-old Vincent Warner of Free Bottom was recovered from the waters near Maria’s by the Sea in Road Town. Police said the body was retrieved shortly after 5 p.m. and was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel.

“Investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing,” the RVIPF stated in a press release issued Tuesday.

In a second, unrelated incident on Virgin Gorda, authorities reported that the body of Jan Zettel Jr., a 31-year-old long-time resident of Nail Bay, was discovered on Sunday, June 8. According to the RVIPF, Zettel was last seen around midnight at Blue House Bar on Virgin Gorda. He was reported missing in the early hours of Sunday, prompting a coordinated search effort.

“His body was found shortly after 9 a.m. that morning,” police said. No further details regarding the cause of death have been released at this time.

The third incident involved a 71-year-old American visitor, Johnnie Hoffman, who was found unresponsive in the water on Monday, June 9. According to the RVIPF, Hoffman had been swimming with family members when the incident occurred.

He was rescued by the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue team (VISAR) and transported for medical treatment, but was later pronounced dead.

“The investigations into each of these deaths remain active, and we are working to determine the full circumstances,” the RVIPF said.

Police are urging members of the public who may have information relevant to any of the incidents to contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at +1-284-368-9339 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (or +1-284-800-8477 from overseas).

“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones of these individuals during this time of loss,” the RVIPF added.