Tragic Loss in Sanford, Maine: Two Stepbrothers Found Holding Each Other After Swimming Accident
Sanford, Maine – A close-knit family is mourning the heartbreaking loss of two teenage stepbrothers, Tavayne Weir, 17, and D’andre Graham, 16, who were found dead in a tragic swimming accident last July. In an especially moving detail, the boys were discovered holding onto each other, a final testament to the deep bond they shared.
According to reports, the boys had told their family that they were heading to the Springvale Recreation Area for a swim. This location is a well-known destination for local swimmers, especially teenagers seeking adventure, with its popular 30-foot cliff that attracts daring jumpers and thrill-seekers. While lifeguards patrol the area during daylight hours, the risks are still present, particularly later in the day or at night.
When Tavayne and D’andre did not return home by their 10 p.m. curfew, concern quickly turned to alarm. Their parents immediately contacted local authorities to report the missing teens. Police officers discovered the boys’ vehicle at the recreation area around 11 p.m., but there was no sign of the teenagers themselves.
The Sanford Fire Department was promptly called in to assist with the search. After an intensive effort lasting over an hour and a half, the bodies of Tavayne and D’andre were discovered submerged underwater. According to Major Matthew Gagne of the Sanford Police Department, “Using high-intensity lights and flashlights, we were able to locate them below the water.”
Authorities have stated that it is unclear whether the boys were jumping from the cliffs or simply swimming. “We don’t know exactly when they entered the water,” Major Gagne explained. “We assume they were likely alone, as there were no distress calls from that area. Additionally, the current in the water was estimated at one or two miles per hour, which could have affected where they were ultimately found.”
The tragic discovery has left the family devastated. In the midst of their grief, a small but meaningful detail offers some comfort: the boys were found holding onto each other, a testament to their unbreakable bond even in the final moments of their lives.
A GoFundMe page set up by the family to help with funeral expenses honors this connection. The page reads: “They showed incredible courage and loyalty, holding onto each other until the very end, demonstrating the deep bond they shared.”
The fundraiser further highlights the unique relationship between Tavayne and D’andre, stating, “They always considered each other brothers, and when their parents, Kerryan and Morris, married last year, their brotherly bond became official.”
“They were more than stepbrothers; they were true brothers in every sense of the word. Growing up in Jamaica, they did everything together—from playing basketball and riding bikes to spending hours on video games,” the page adds.
The community has expressed shock and sadness over the loss, with many neighbors recalling the boys as lively, kind-hearted, and inseparable. Friends and classmates have shared stories of the brothers’ sense of humor, generosity, and the close connection they had with each other.
Officials continue to remind the public about water safety and the risks associated with swimming in areas with currents, cliffs, or uneven terrain, emphasizing that even experienced swimmers can be vulnerable under certain conditions.
While no words can truly ease the pain of losing two young lives so suddenly, the image of Tavayne and D’andre holding onto each other remains a poignant symbol of love, loyalty, and brotherhood. In a world often marked by uncertainty, their final act serves as a reminder of the enduring power of family ties.
Rest in peace, Tavayne and D’andre. Your courage, loyalty, and love for each other will never be forgotten.