Body Recovered in Billy White is Believed to be David Klassen

Fitzroy Yearwood

This afternoon, the Belize Police Department confirmed the recovery of a body from the Belize River believed to be that of twenty-eight-year-old David Klassen.  According to Assistant Superintendent Fitzroy Yearwood, Klassen almost made it across the river to rescue a person in distress when he went under and did not resurface.

ASP Fitzroy Yearwood, Communications Director, Belize Police Department

“Police received information around 1:27 p.m. that there was a drowning in Billy White Village, in the river, of course.  When they proceeded to the scene, the spoke with one Miguel Tzul who informed them that David Klassen, twenty-eight-years-old, came to his house running, stating that there was a little girl hanging from a branch in the river.  He’s saying that Klassen then ran back towards the river and attempted to swim to the area where this young lady was hanging from a branch.  He’s saying that he was, Klassen was almost near the vicinity of this young lady when he just went under and did not resurface.  He is saying that he then called for police assistance and he, himself, tried to rescue Klassen.  Up to the time of us doing this interview, I was recently informed that a body was found.  I cannot confirm whether it’s David Klassen’s body as yet but we are hoping that we bring some form of closure to the family.”