The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THREE months after James McKinney vanished while foraging in Acklins’ wilderness, police have discovered his decomposed body, ending a desperate search that gripped the tight-knit island community.

McKinney, a 59-year-old father of five, was found wearing the same clothes he had on when he disappeared in early February. A police official, who confirmed the grim discovery yesterday, said foul play is not suspected but are awaiting autopsy results to determine the cause of death.

McKinney had reportedly ventured into the bush in search of cascarilla bark a day before his 60th birthday when he phoned a retired police officer in distress. His final words described being near a “high wall with plenty of grass.” Despite being advised to stay put, he vanished before help could reach him.

The discovery came after another resident, also searching for cascarilla, led authorities to the Spring Point area, a region infamous for its dense vegetation, concealed caves, and deep sinkholes. The same terrain had previously thwarted extensive search efforts involving drones, K-9 units, and support from the US Coast Guard and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force.

McKinney’s family had criticized the response, calling it sluggish and inadequate.

Tragically, this is not the first time the Spring Point region has had such an incident. Former Chief Councillor Steven Rose recounted the chilling case of Alice Darling, an elderly woman who disappeared twice in the same area — the second time, permanently.