Zowie Tomlinson – By Azara Lavia
Zowie Tomlinson Laid Rest
Eighteen-year-old Zowie Tomlinson was laid to rest on Tuesday following an emotional funeral service at the Parham Pentecostal Church.
Relatives, friends and members of the Parham community gathered to celebrate her life and pay their final respects, nearly two months after her death.
The service attracted a strong turnout and included a tribute by way of a fashion show, staged in her honour, by Dream Catcher Model Agency, where she had modelled for two and a half years.
Speaking to Observer Media, director-manager of the agency, Anse Henry, described Zowie as the life of the party. He said her vibrant personality and charismatic voice brought light to every room she entered.
Henry said Zowie grew tremendously during her time with the agency, developing into an excellent runway model and photogenic beauty who demonstrated versatility in every area of modelling.
He noted that Zowie’s impact extended far beyond the runway and that she embodied the qualities of a Dream Catcher model.
Henry added that Zowie was deeply loved by everyone at the agency and is dearly missed.
Tomlinson died following an incident at Devil’s Bridge during the late-night hours of June 20, just 16 days after celebrating her 18th birthday.
Police and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard launched an extensive search by land and sea. Challenging conditions and other operational factors, however, forced the search to be suspended overnight.
The operation resumed the following morning, when Coast Guard personnel recovered Tomlinson’s body from the water.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death were continuing. No official cause of death or further findings have been publicly disclosed.
