Police Investigate Death of Mammologist at Oku Backdam
September 20, 2024 — Authorities are investigating the death of 30-year-old Meshach Pierre, a mammologist who was found dead at the G2 Minerals Guyana Inc. compound in Oku Backdam, Cuyuni-Mazaruni on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Pierre had been assigned to conduct a mammal survey at the G2 Minerals site since September 14, 2024. He was one of 12 individuals staying at the company compound.
According to initial reports, Pierre shared a room with his assistant, Philbert Denhart. On the day of the incident, Pierre told Denhart and two other workers, who were sitting nearby, not to return to their shared room because he had a meeting.
At around 2:55 p.m., Denhart was reminded by a colleague that it was time to start work. When he returned to the room, he found Pierre crouched on the floor, unresponsive. Denhart immediately called the onsite medic, who quickly arrived and confirmed that Pierre had passed away.
The police were summoned to the scene, and Pierre’s body was later transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital.
Denhart was taken into custody to assist police with their investigation.
Post-Mortem Examination Results
On Friday, September 20, 2024, a post-mortem examination was conducted on Pierre’s body at 11:15 a.m. by Government Pathologist Dr. Nehaul Singh.
The examination revealed that Pierre died from “compression injuries to the neck.” His body was identified by his father, Mark Pierre, a 63-year-old veterinarian.
Investigators have since discovered a suicide note on Pierre’s phone, addressed to his family, in which he outlined the reasons for his decision to take his own life. Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
