Matura, Trinidad and Tobago — A weekend getaway turned tragic when 35-year-old Tara Lochansingh lost her life in the waters of the Matura River on Friday. What was meant to be a day of laughter, family, and escape from the routine quickly spiraled into heartbreak, leaving her loved ones and onlookers shaken. Even as recovery crews labored through the early hours of Saturday to retrieve her lifeless body from the riverbed, scenes of celebration resumed just upstream — music blaring, coolers opened, and meals prepared as if nothing had happened.
Tara, a beloved daughter, friend, and colleague, had gone to Matura River for a day of leisure, like so many others do on weekends in Trinidad. Described by those who knew her as vibrant and kind-hearted, she had reportedly been enjoying herself in the water when, in a sudden moment, she was swept away by a deceptively strong undercurrent and pulled into deeper waters. Despite frantic attempts to reach her, Tara disappeared beneath the surface, and her body was not immediately recovered.
Lochansingh, 46, of Rio Claro, was at the Matura River on Friday with her 4-year-old granddaughter when both were suddenly swept away by powerful currents. In a final act of courage and love, she managed to push the child toward the riverbank, where the young girl was later discovered and rescued by a relative.
By the following morning, Express photo editor Robert Taylor stood by the river capturing haunting images of a rescue crew working to extract Tara’s body from the Matura River’s depths. The somber scene was made all the more surreal and distressing by the simultaneous presence of groups setting up for another day of recreation. Only a few yards away from where Tara’s life had ended, people erected tents, connected sound systems, and laid out large pots for cooking, seemingly oblivious—or worse, indifferent—to the tragedy that had just unfolded.
The juxtaposition of mourning and merriment has left many in the community stunned and heartbroken.
Tara’s death underscores the recurring dangers of river outings in Trinidad, particularly in locations like Matura where deceptively calm waters can turn deadly in moments. Despite warnings and past incidents, drownings continue to occur during public holidays and weekends when rivers become hotspots for social gatherings.
Friends and family members gathered along the riverbank in silent disbelief as her body was brought to shore. Many wept openly, while others stood still, trying to process the weight of the loss. Tara was described as someone who “brought joy wherever she went,” a hardworking and compassionate woman who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—especially spending time in nature.
The incident has prompted calls for more public awareness regarding water safety, as well as renewed appeals for compassion and sensitivity in public spaces, especially in the wake of tragedy. Many are asking whether the culture of “the party must go on” has dulled the collective sense of empathy and community.
Meanwhile, Tara Lochansingh’s family must now prepare to bury a loved one whose life was cut short in a place she went to find peace and relaxation. They, like so many others who have experienced similar sudden losses at the nation’s rivers, are left grappling with grief in a setting that should have held only happy memories.
Authorities are expected to conduct an autopsy to confirm the cause of death, although drowning has already been established as the likely cause. Police are also reviewing the circumstances leading up to the incident, and there is ongoing discussion around the potential implementation of enhanced safety signage or patrols at popular swimming areas like Matura.
As the sun rose on another day by the river, the current continued to flow—indifferent, as always, to human joy or sorrow. But for Tara’s loved ones, the river will never look the same again.