By Belize Live News Staff: A father and son lost their lives on Saturday afternoon, September 6, 2025, in a drowning incident at the Cisco River, located about six miles off the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway in the Toledo District.
Police reports state that around 4:00 p.m., 19-year-old Tracey Cal arrived at the river in the company of her father, 45-year-old Thomas Cal, and her brothers, 17-year-old Elroy Cal and 15-year-old Leroy Cal, all of Bella Vista Village.
At about 4:36 p.m., Elroy, who did not know how to swim, fell into the river and was swept away by strong currents. His father, Thomas, jumped in to rescue him but was also unable to swim. Leroy attempted to save them but was forced to retreat to the riverbank.
With the assistance of nearby villagers, the motionless body of Elroy Cal was retrieved around 7:24 p.m., followed by the recovery of Thomas Cal at about 7:35 p.m. Both were transported to the Southern Regional Hospital, where Thomas was pronounced dead at 9:03 p.m. and Elroy at 9:04 p.m.
Police have since recorded statements from the surviving family members. The incident has left the Bella Vista Village community in mourning.
