Two teenage stepbrothers are both killed after jumping off 30ft cliff at popular Maine swimming spot

The bodies of two teenage stepbrothers were found holding each other in the water after they both drowned at a popular swimming spot in Maine.

It appears the pair got into trouble after jumping off rocks on a 30-foot cliff.

Tavayne Weir, a Sanford High School student, and his stepbrother, D’andre Graham, 17 and 16 respectively, had told their parents they were going to the Springvale Recreation Area on Sunday night.

When the couple missed the 10pm curfew, their concerned parents called the police.

Police found the duo’s car in the parking lot, but in the darkness there was no sign of the teens.

It is believed the pair jumped from a 30-foot cliff into the river at the popular resort

The fire department was called to assist in the search and managed to illuminate the accident site, and designated swimming areas and trails were set up on both sides of the Mousam River.

Both Tavayne and D’Andre were found underwater in the river after an hour and a half of searching, but they were both dead.

“Using flashlights and high-intensity lights, they were able to locate them underwater,” he said. Major Matthew Gagne of the Sanford Police Department WMVW.

The bodies were found just a quarter mile from the 30-foot cliff that is popular with swimmers jumping into the river.

“We don’t know if they jumped or just swam because we don’t know exactly what time they went in. We’re assuming they were probably alone because we haven’t had any reports from that area of ​​anyone in distress or actively drowning,” Gagne explained.

There is a roped off swimming area nearby, but the rocks and cliffs are attractive to teenagers

Within hours of the teens’ deaths, people were again seen climbing the rocks

a GoFundMe The page explained how the boys’ bodies were found together.

“They showed incredible courage and loyalty. They stuck together until the end and showed how strong their bond was.”

During the day, the swimming area is roped off and lifeguards are present. But right across from the guarded area are the rocks where people often climb up to then plunge into the water.

It is not known exactly what the boys did that got them into trouble.

On Monday, just hours after the boys’ deaths, thrill seekers were again spotted in the river.

The boys’ bodies were taken to the coroner’s office in Augusta, Maine, where autopsies will be performed to determine exactly how they died.

Sanford School District Superintendent Matt Nelson wrote in a letter to parents at the school the pair attended that he was “deeply saddened” by the drownings.

The rocks rise 30 feet above the Mousam River and are often the scene of daredevils making a splash

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the student’s family and friends,” Nelson wrote.

“We are saddened by the loss our school community has suffered and will do everything we can to support you and your child in any way you need.”

“Tavayne and D’andre always considered each other brothers, and when their parents Kerryan and Morris got married last year, their bond became official,” a tribute to the brothers read.

“They were more than stepbrothers; they were real brothers to each other. They grew up in Jamaica and did everything together, from playing basketball to riding bikes to playing video games.”

Tavayne and his mother, Kerryann, had only recently moved to Maine “in search of a better future,” while D’andre visited the region with his father, Morris, over the summer with an eye to a permanent move to Maine later this year.