The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the tragic death of 14-year-old Vensly Maxime, whose body was found on Saturday, Dec. 25, just before 5 p.m., in a retention pond near the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center.
Maxime had been reported missing three days earlier. His body was found by family members searching for him.
During an initial investigation, detectives learned that Maxime and a friend met up after school on Wednesday, Dec. 22. Soon after, according to the friend, Maxime started to not feel well, so the friend told detectives that they began walking home. For unknown reasons, Maxime began to act in an unusual manner.
The teens separated, with the friend continuing home, and Maxime remained behind in the area of the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. He was not seen again until his body was discovered on Christmas Day.
In conjunction with the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office, the PBSO’s preliminary investigative findings have not revealed any signs of trauma or injury. Foul play is not currently suspected, and initial findings indicate that Maxime may have suffered a medical episode prior to entering the water.
This investigation is continuing and ongoing. Anyone who may have additional information is urged to contact Detective J. Gomez at (561) 688-4052 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 458-TIPS.
