VICTORIA, Seychelles — Police are investigating two separate tragic incidents that occurred on Sunday, leaving a 13-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man dead. Hannah André, a 13-year-old girl from Beau Vallon, died in a road accident on La Digue on Sunday morning, while a 21-year-old man from La Gogue was confirmed dead after being pulled from the sea near North Island on Sunday afternoon. The two deaths have cast a pall over the start of the week, and the police have opened investigations into both cases.
According to the police, the road accident involving Hannah was reported at around 11.25am on Sunday. Initial report from La Digue police officers stated the teenager was riding a tricycle, which was heading towards La Passe at the time of the incident. According to the police communiqué, the girl was airlifted to Mahe for urgent medical attention but attempts to save her life were in vain. She was involved in a tragic accident on La Digue, the statement added, and the investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.
A former student of International School Seychelles, Hannah practiced both ballet and swimming. Her swimming club, Mahe Skimmers, issued a statement on its Facebook page on Sunday night saying it is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our Elite B swimmer, Hannah André. Hannah was not only an exceptional athlete but also a beloved member of our community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this incredibly difficult time, the statement read. The school and the wider swimming community are expected to organise a memorial in the coming days.
The police also confirmed the death of a 21-year-old man late on Sunday afternoon. The man, originating from La Gogue, was working on North Island. According to initial report, he was removed from the sea by two of his colleagues and transported to Mahe for medical attention. He was confirmed dead upon arrival on Mahe. The circumstances that led to him ending up in the water are not yet clear, and the police have not released further details pending notification of next of kin and a full investigation.
The two deaths, occurring on the same day and on different islands, have prompted a renewed call from community leaders for vigilance on the roads and at sea. The La Digue accident in particular, involving a child on a tricycle, has raised familiar concerns about road safety on the inner island, where bicycles and tricycles remain a common form of transport. The police have appealed to anyone with information on either incident to come forward as the investigations continue. Funeral arrangements for both victims are expected to be announced by the families in due course.
