Channel 7 journalist, Keith Swift, passes away
keith swift
We begin tonight’s newscast with the tragic death of a colleague in the news industry. The well known television journalist for Channel Seven, Keith Swift, passed away today. He did not report to work this morning and his roommate Mark Bowman reportedly found Swift lying face-up with foam at his mouth after five this evening. His door was locked but the key was found in the door. When Bowman entered the room, there were signs that alcohol was consumed at some point over the weekend. His cameraman Cody and anchor for News Seven, Indira Craig, are reported to be at the scene outside his home on Lizaragga Avenue. Swift, who was thirty years old, was known to suffer from arthritis. On his Facebook page Swift said “Let the truth be known, life is filled with false hope.” In November last year, Swift won platinum at the 2009 UNFPA Caribbean Population Media Awards .
It is a stunning development in the media industry where Keith was known for his zeal and passion to get his stories. News Five was at the scene immediately when his body was found and we have Isani Cayetano on hand who was there at the scene.
Marleni Cuellar
“Isani, tell us a bit about what you saw when you went out there tonight.
Isani Cayetano
“Goodnight, Marleni, goodnight Belize. I’ll start with receiving the news inside our newsroom. The boss alerted us that a text message came in and that was what the text message read. I’m still in a state of shock and disbelief. To be quite honest with you, I don’t know Keith personally but in the professional world, I should say that I know enough about him. What I found a bit interesting, surprising even is that while we were among the first to arrive at the scene, his colleagues from Channel Seven were there, there weren’t any police officers, any coroners, any medical professionals. I found that a bit strange. What was sort of a bit unnerving for me is that usually when you deal with grieve and this type of thing, you kind of have to sensitive towards the friends and the family and what have you. And being around and gathering the little bit of information that we had preliminarily, kind of put me in a position where I feel for those who are there; his colleagues and whomsoever but at the same time I needed to get information at least to put it out there. In our business, there are not too many of us. The media industry in Belize is a very small industry so most definitely the loss of Keith Swift is a massive one for us. A lot of us still don’t believe and still are in a state of complete shock and disbelief. Standing there tonight, the irony of the situation for me is that when I watch Seven News and I watch Keith Swift’s news product, he’s always one for the money shot. So if there’s a murder at eight o’clock or ten o’clock at night and he is on the scene, the last video footage you would get is the body riding off in the back of the pan and sadly that was the last we saw at the scene on Lizarraga Avenue. It’s so ironic the way how life unfolds and the way how things are. What I can say about Keith in a professional capacity, as I mentioned before I don’t really know him personally, we’ve always seen each other as the competition. As much as we go in the field and we kind of look at what the other person is doing to critique where we stand, it has always been that kind of competition. I can safely say I’ve been, to some extent, a critic of his in terms of looking at what he does and saying you know what, if there’s a standard to be set, if he sets a standard I’ll try to trump that and I’m pretty that that kind of healthy back and forth happens across the board in the media. And to see someone as tenacious as he was—there were a lot of times we would go on the scene and let me see who Keith is going to interview and let me see if I could one up him, that type of thing. And at the end of it all, you look at your product and you look at his and say you know what if nothing else, we both gave it our best shot.”
Marleni Cuellar
“Let’s talk about some of the details. I know you talked about the difficulty in gathering information and I think the connection; who he is and what he does and how we know him definitely made it more difficult. But what were some of the details that you were able to gather at the scene?”
Isani Cayetano
“Like we had mentioned at the top of the newscast, the body was discovered a little after five this evening by his roommate, Mark Bowman. Apparently when Mark got home, he noticed that the door was locked but the key was in the doorknob and he called a friend of his to sort of seek confirmation on whether or not he should open the door. The friend said yes, go ahead because we don’t know what the situation is and upon opening the door, that’s when the discovery of the body was made.”
Marleni Cuellar
“He was found in his room, the living room…”
Isani Cayetano
“He was found in his bedroom. I personally did not go in the room to see the body, it’s not a thing of mine. But from what I was told he was found on the floor as if he either fell off the bed or he was struggling to get back on the bed; sort of in that position and foam was visible around his mouth.”
Marleni Cuellar
“What was the general mood of the people looking on. We talked about his media colleagues there. I’m sure neighbors and members of the public came out. But what was the general mood that you…”
Isani Cayetano
“A somber mood; very, very dismal. It took a while before the crowd gathered out there. The first time we went on the scene, we left and there was still nobody there. The police had just responded. By the time we got back the crowd was already there but everybody was just sort of curious to see if it’s true and what was going to happen next. As a matter of fact, I was able to speak with a friend of his, a close friend of his, who had made arrangements for them to hang out after work on Friday night. apparently he did not show up; I’m not sure if we’re ready to roll that footage as yet.”
Marleni Cuellar
“You have an interview lined up.”
Isani Cayetano
“Yes I do.”
Friend of Keith Swift
Friend of Keith Swift
“Me and he always deh together especially Friday night time, we always heng out dah princess or ih would ah come dah my house. We always heng out together. Sometimes we tek wah lee drink and this really hurt me mein.”
Isani Cayetano
“When was the last time you saw him or spoke with him?”
Friend of Keith Swift
“Friday. Friday I come way yah come holla fi ah. I tell ah come meet me. Me, he and ih got wah next young man weh dah ih good friend and dah all ah we keep together. Ih always deh by my house, always. Dah my friend.”
Isani Cayetano
“Did he show up to meet you that Friday?”
Friend of Keith Swift
“No. Di other mawning I meet ah gwein dah work and I di tell ah Keith bwai di bus gwein and ih seh he neva did si di bus cause he stress out. I holla fi stop di bus fi ah and so ih get pan di bus. I just mi di worry bout ah dat’s why when I hear weh happen I run come yah because he tell me dat he stress out but ih noh tell me dah what. Ih just seh I really, really stress out. Ih seh ih depressed and I tell ah mek ih go dah da nurse dah hospital, mek ah ker ah. But ih neva did come fi mek a ker ah. But ih tell me ih depressed bad. Dat dah di last time ih talk to me.”
Isani Cayetano
“What dah your best memory of spending time with him? Maybe hanging out or what have you? What dah your best memory you could tell me you remember him as?”
Friend of Keith Swift
“I like when ih deh pan news, when ih deh pan news. He noh care weh pah he have to go, he gwein. Noh care if dah wah riot or whatever, Keith gwein. Dat dah weh I remember bout Keith. Keith dah wah person weh gwein, dat dah weh I rememba bout ah. Keith gwein anywhere weh news deh. He gwein; if dah yah, Corozal, he wah deh deh. Dat dah weh I rememba bout ah.”
Marleni Cuellar
“Alright, and that was a friend of his.”
Isani Cayetano
“That was a personal friend of the late Keith Swift.”
Marleni Cuellar
“Well, Isani thank you for coming on set and sharing with us just the immediate details that we’ve been able to gather so far and I’m sure we’ll have more on this tomorrow in our newscast.”
Isani Cayetano
“My condolences go out to the family of Keith Swift and his colleagues over at Channel Seven. It’s going to be a great loss for us in the media.”
Marleni Cuellar
“It’s a great loss to the industry in general, absolutely.”
Keith Swift, dead at thirty years.
Indeed a great loss to the industry and to Belize. I remember times spent with this great friend. You will be sadly missed but loved forever! Rest in peace.
I mourn the loss of a great news reporter and express my condolences. Yes Mr. Swift is gone and so the field of great Belizean reporters gets narrower.
condolences to the family.
What sounds weird id that they found his door lock, and the key was in the lock outside the door.
It still amazes me that a pick-up truck is still being used to transport bodies and prisoners back and forth to their destinations. If there is any kind of trauma on that body bouncing up and down in the pan would surely not help the coroner’s investigation.
After all the coroner’s is so outdated that everyone gets the same report on their love ones.
Where are the police, still cannot find the address?
damn mein life is too short before you know it your gone, this is the thing you don’t have to be sick nawadays you just drop like a fly and that’s its it mein you will be surely missed Keith this especially after been a TV icon , and was a buddy of mine. So who will star to post the 7news video on deman on the internet he was the one inchare of that.From all of us here in Chicago rest in peace Keith Swift……..RIP
I always read his synopsis of news events with great interest. He was always sharp and concise, my condolences to his famiy and friends. May he forever rest in God’s protective arms.
Rest in Peace.
My deepest Condolences to his family and colleagues at channel Seven. He was a humble and very sweet person may his soul rest in peace.
RIP … such a loss at a young age.
May Keith REST IN PEACE!
This needs careful investigating. Many things not adding up. Investigate
RIP Keith
MAY HE REST IN PEACE…….WHY THE GOOD WORKING PEOPLE HAVE TO DIE WHILE THE BAD KEEPS DOING BAD.
Rest In Peace My brother Keith Swift. God loves you more, Happy are those who are called to his supper!!
R.I.P Keith, actually i never watch news 7 much like channel 5 but really it is sadly to lose a very hardworking person from the media too. it would be very appropiate if his death is carefully investigated cause a person like him is of very importance to the public since through his regorous work people get updated with news. it’s a pity but God knows best. May his family keep their faith in the Lord for help and guidance through this grief and my sincere condolence to them also. Rest in Peace belizean brother you were a very fruitful person in life may the Lord hold you in his Loving arms now.
God loved him more, peace and comfort to the family, God always takes the best!!!!
I loved his voice! Sexy!
I was always reading channel 7 news because of my cousin Jackie and even though she is no longer there I kept reading it. My heart sank when I read the news of Keith’s passing… he was so young. His death needs an authopy and investigation because the dead can’t lock a door from the outside. It sure sounds fishey to me! He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family, friends and associates. MAY HE REST IN PEACE WITH GOD’S BLESSING!
I am saddened to tears to hear of the loss of my wonderful cousin Keith. Our physical distance (Keith having been in Belize while I’m in Chicago, IL) did not keep us from building and maintaining a great relationship. Keith’s reach was far beyond the borders of Belize…and he will certainly be missed.
i can remember seeing him in Benque on good Friday running behind the dramatization of the passion of Christ. not knowing that this were almost his last moments. Our condolence to the Swift family. May he rest in peace.
Keith Benque wil miss you :
Deepest Condolence to Keith’s Family.This man Knew his job,You was a perfect Role model.You gave back to our Country positively.RIP my Belizean brother.
iam saddened by this news,he will be saddly missed,our condolence to the family.
OH MY GOD, WHY? MY HEART SANK WHEN MY DAD TEXT ME AN HOUR AGO ABOUT THE DEATH OF MY CLASSMATE AND FRIEND KEITH.I AM LOST FOR WORDS. I AM IN SHOCK AND DISBELIEF. I CANT BELIEVE THIS.
REST IN PEACE
rest in peace bredda your work on earth will not be forgotton. May heaven’s gates smile on you. My prayers go out to your family and the 7 news crew. You will be missed by many.
My condolence and prayers to Keith family. I will miss you my dear friend. But, will take the comfort in knowing that God has you now. RIP my friend..
RIP KEITH SWIFT – condolences goes out to the family. It makes me realize that life is real short. Live every moment as if it was your last! Today for you, tomorrow for me.
I’m still shock and in disbelief! it’s sad mein.
One of the best.
The Belcal Cycling Club of Los Angeles CA send there Condolences to the family , friends and colleagues at channel Seven in the lost of Keith Swift Rest In Peace my Brother
REST IN PEFECT PEACE URGONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGETTEN WE LOVE U N WILL ALWAYS DO
Keith was a classmate back at SJCJC. He took his job seriously and was a hardworking, dedicated journalist who was loyal to his firm and to his viewers. The man did not abandon what is a tough profession in Belize. His family and friends should be very proud of his achievements and his legacy. May he rest in peace.
RIP KEITH
WE ALL NEED TO LOOK FOR GOD AND CHANGE OUR LIFE STYLE WE ALL HAVE PROBLEMS BUT HE IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CAN HELP US…… LIFE IS PRECIOUS WE MUST ENJOY IT BUT NOT THE ENJOYMENT WE ALL LIKE… WHICH IS TO PARTY….. WE MUST LOVE EACH OTHER AND LOVE OUR SELF. LIFE IS NOT EASY, BUT WITH GOD ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE REMEMBER THAT GUYS.
I know you will be sadly missed. I enjoy the way this dude reports on news! My condolences goes out to the family from Negus Internet Solutions – http://www.nisbelize.bz
there r 2 many things in this story that just doesnt add up 4 me, but Belize being in the state that it is the police probably wont investigate 2 the extent where things do add up….its really sad…R.I.P Keith Swift
KEITH WILL BE MISS -condolences goes to his family we in Miami are sadden by his sudden death will be miss.
Truely a hard-working Belizean Heroe. Making justice happen through public service for the poor of the country that was Mr. Keith Swift. Rest in Peace. I can only imagine the stress he carried on his shoulder as many other media personnel out there yet he continued with his job in a professional manner until the end. My condolences to his family.
RIP my friend
my condolences goes out to the family n close friend to keith, R.I.P. u will be surely missed!!!
May the young man rest in peace, I live in Dallas and try to read the news as much as possible, but it breaks my heart when things like this happen and nothing is being done about it. Politicians worry about how they can compete to live better than others, when the people are suffering. I see the picture where this young man is being taken away in the back of a pick up truck, why? cant the government see that taking care of the people is important than Votes! Here in the US it works.. they take care of the people by showing they care! then every thing else falls in place. I see police officers wearing no bullet proof vest, while ministers have body guards with guns… hahaha you see what I am saying. This young man if he could have, right now he would be reporting his own death…sad but true, only reason why I say this is because now some one has to pay for his funeral and the government surely will not help on that. To Kieth Family God had a special news to share and needed him to do so, in the peacefull place in heaven!
We in the States feel like we know this young man Keith Swift. Every night before I go to bed, one of the last thing I do is read the Belize News Ch.7. He is a very good reporter and I am really shock. I would love to know who is his family. I think I know his Dad and Aunt.
My deepest condolences goes out to the family and friends. Every night we welcome him our homes on the 6:30 news and he was good at what he did, he was truly bless and Belize has lost a great icon. Its sad but so real R.I.P. Keith
My condolence and respect to the family. I saw keith( knew him only by the internet as i live in South america) as a young person very eager to grow in the media. He seemed to have had great passion for his job. He was an example for young men developing their skills.As a Belizean residing abroad and concerned especially with the crime rate in our country,has been interacting with him on this issue. The jewel has lost a great citizen. May he rest in peace.
rest in peace ,my condolences goes out to the family
RIP Keith Swift
R.I.P Keith. My condolence to the family
May God take your soul into his arms Keith and bring peace and solace to your family. Your candid and animated form of reporting will be sorely missed. You were a young and vibrant individual and a role model. Rest In Peace
maddyvandijk you alway have some bs fi say. shet yo mouth if yo no have nothing good fi say. Sorry Keith may you rest in peace and may the good lord take you where you belong. you will be missed.
My deepest Sympathy to the family of Keith Swift may his soul rest in Peace will be sadly miss.
RIP LUV ALWAYZZZZZZZZZZ