Community remembers twin brothers who drowned in Mississippi lake during fishing trip

Twin brothers Jamarion and Camarion Grady died after both drowned in Lake Pushmataha during a fishing trip in Mississippi.

The Philadelphia School District confirmed the deaths of the high school seniors on its Facebook page on Sunday, April 20.

“​​The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend, and our hearts are with all those affected. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and schools during this difficult time,” the announcement read.

A follow-up post on Monday, April 21, described their deaths as “an accidental drowning.”

The incident

According to Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office, on April 17 around 6:00pm, authorities received a call where both the local police and fire departments responded to Lake Pushmataha in Mississippi’s Pearl River community and recovered both victims from the water.

The twins were taken to a local hospital.

Jamarion was pronounced dead at 7:48 p.m. on April 17. His brother had to be airlifted to another facility where he died three days later on the afternoon of Sunday, April 20.

Witnesses stated the group of teens were out at the lake fishing and hanging out, when they started into the water. One of the teens waded out too far into the lake and started to struggle. The other teen reportedly tried to save his brother and drowned trying to assist.

Remembering the twin brothers who drowned

The school district remembered Camarion, affectionately known by loved ones as “Fatt”, as “larger than life — in spirit, in personality, and in the way he showed up for the people he loved”.

“Outgoing, fearless, and full of energy, he had a way of walking into a room and instantly lighting it up. His laughter was loud, his smile even louder, and his ability to connect with people was something truly special. Fatt didn’t just make friends — he made everyone feel like they belonged,” they added.

He was also remembered as “a standout on the football field,” and “the kind of teammate who celebrated others’ wins as much as his own.”

“Camarion’s faith grounded him. He loved God and wasn’t shy about it,” they said.

The post also shared the siblings’ relationship as twins.

“Though Camarion and Jamarion were twins, they were their own people, each remarkable in their own right. Camarion was the louder voice, the bigger laugh, the one always dancing. Always talking, always reaching out to lift someone else up. His bond with ‘Frog’ was undeniable, and their absence leaves an impossible void, but we will honor them as individuals, because they each gave this world something uniquely beautiful.”