Authorities have confirmed that a pair of Mississippi twins have passed away following a drowning incident at Lake Pushmataha near Philadelphia.
The incident happened on Thursday while brothers Jamarion and Camarion Grady were fishing, per a report from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Department of Public Safety. Though details remain sparse, Jamarion is confirmed to have passed away from drowning on the date of the incident. His brother was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment before dying on Sunday.
No additional details have been released by law enforcement at this time.
The twins were seniors at Philadelphia High School. Jamarion Grady, referred to by friends and loved ones as “Frog,” is said to have had a “vibrant” and “joyful” spirit that lifted others up.
“Jamarion was not only a student with tremendous potential — he was a beloved brother, friend, teammate, and member of our school family,” a statement from the Philadelphia School District reads. “As we come to terms with this painful loss, the entire Philadelphia Public School District stands in mourning with the Grady family, his close friends, and the faculty and students of Philadelphia High School.
Camarion Grady, better known by his peers as “Fatt,” was a popular student-athlete who is said to have lived out his faith and was deeply admired by just about anyone he came into contact with.
“Camarion was a leader, a motivator, and the kind of teammate who celebrated others’ wins as much as his own. He wore his school colors with pride, and he represented Philadelphia High with the kind of spirit that made the halls feel like home,” the school district posted about the twin brother.
“Camarion’s faith grounded him. He loved God and wasn’t shy about it. His Christianity wasn’t just something he believed in—it was something he lived through his kindness, his leadership, and his willingness to be there for others. He was deeply loved by his classmates, teachers, coaches, and anyone who had the joy of knowing him.”
According to the school district, grief counselors and pastors will be available for students and staff on Monday to provide comfort and guidance. In a show of unity and strength in honor of the twins, those in the Philadelphia area are encouraged to wear red and black on Wednesday.
