Community mourning loss of teens

The twin brothers who drowned at Lake Pushmataha last weekend will be remembered for their infectious smiles and joyful demeanor.

Jamarion and Camarion Grady, both 18, were pronounced dead last week following an accidental drowning at the lake, according to Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark.

Their uncle, Robert Blacks, described the incident simply as “unbelievable.”

Both brothers were seniors at Philadelphia High School.  A funeral service for Camarion and Jamarion is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday at Jerusalem Temple, 414 Ivy St.

“The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend and our hearts are with all those affected,” a statement from the school district said.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and schools during this difficult time.” 

The school district said in a statement about Jamarion Grady that he would be remembered for how he treated others.

“His smile, his energy, and the kindness he showed to others made a lasting impact on everyone around him,” the statement said.

His brother was also remembered for the connection he made with others.

“(Camarion’s) laughter was loud, his smile even louder, and his ability to connect with people was something truly special,” the release said.

The press release went on to say, “We send our love and deepest prayers to the Grady family.”

Clark said the 18-year-old brothers were in the water at Lake Pushmataha when Camarion got into deeper water than he was ready for and Jamarion went in to help his brother near the pier on the northeast side of the lake.

Clark said the incident was reported by a friend at 5:58 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.

Authorities said there was a group of between six and eight male juveniles at the lake including the twins at the time.

Clark said they were fishing and had decided to wade into the water when Camarion “got in trouble really quickly.”

Choctaw Police, Fire and EMS were on scene and in the water within about five minutes of the initial call and transported the two young men to the Choctaw Health Center. Camarion was later transported to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he died on Sunday.

According to Clark, Jamarion was pronounced dead at 7:48 p.m. at the Choctaw Health Center and Camarion was later pronounced dead at UMMC at 2:29 p.m. on Sunday, April 20.

Investigators do not expect any foul play was nvolved. Clark said the water at Lake Pushmataha gets “really deep, really fast.”

School district officials said grief counselors and pastors have been made available to students and staff.

School and community members were encouraged to wear red and black today, Wednesday, April 23, in remembrance and support of the Grady family.

They were being remembered by friends on social media.

For donations, a GoFundMe account has been established for the family.