Tragedy at Lake Pushmataha: Twin High School Seniors Drown During Fishing Trip in Mississippi

PHILADELPHIA, MS — A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Neshoba County last week as twin brothers, Camarion Grady and Jamarion Grady, both 18-year-old high school seniors, drowned during what was meant to be a peaceful fishing outing at Lake Pushmataha. The community is now mourning the loss of two young lives full of promise, ambition, and bright futures.

According to a spokesperson from the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Office, emergency services were called to the lake, located near the town of Philadelphia, Mississippi, shortly after 6:00 p.m. on April 17. Choctaw police and fire officials responded swiftly to the scene, where they found the twin brothers unresponsive in the water.

Witnesses told investigators that the teens had been fishing when one of the brothers waded too far into the lake and began to struggle. Without hesitation, his twin rushed in to try and save him. In an act of immense courage and love, both boys were overtaken by the water’s depth and drowned in the process.

“One of the teens waded out too far into the lake and started to struggle. The other teen tried to save his brother and drowned trying to assist,” a spokesperson said.

First responders immediately performed advanced life support at the scene. Jamarion was rushed to Choctaw Health Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Camarion, who was found in critical condition, was airlifted to a hospital in Jackson. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, he passed away just before 2:30 p.m. on April 20, three days after the incident.

Devastating Loss to School and Community

Camarion and Jamarion were seniors at Philadelphia High School, where they were known not only for their close bond as twins but for their warm personalities, dreams, and community spirit. According to Philadelphia Public School District (PPSD), Jamarion had plans to become a real estate agent, while Camarion aspired to be a barber. The school district and community have been deeply shaken by the sudden loss.

“The PPSD community has experienced tremendous losses this weekend, and our hearts are with all those affected,” said the district in a public statement released on April 20. “We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community members and schools during this difficult time.”

In tribute, students and faculty at Philadelphia High School wore red and black—the school’s colors—and created handmade signs to honor the memory of the twins. Photos shared by the Neshoba County School District show emotional gatherings as classmates embraced, prayed, and grieved together.

Community Support Pours In

In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support the boys’ mother with funeral and medical expenses. At the time it was active, the fundraiser received an overwhelming response, quickly surpassing $12,000 in donations from community members, friends, and strangers moved by the heartbreaking story.

The campaign was temporarily disabled after Camarion’s death, but the messages of sympathy, love, and solidarity continue to flood social media platforms. Many have taken to Facebook, Instagram, and local news pages to express their condolences and share personal memories of the brothers.

“Two of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. They always had a smile and treated everyone with respect,” wrote one teacher on Facebook. “Our hearts are broken.”

A Reminder of Life’s Fragility

The tragedy at Lake Pushmataha serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of even seemingly calm waters and the deep, instinctive bond that siblings, especially twins, share. Camarion and Jamarion Grady lived together, laughed together, and in the end, died together in an act of selfless love and bravery.

Though their time was short, their lives left an indelible mark on those who knew them. Their legacy will live on in the halls of Philadelphia High School, in the hearts of classmates and teachers, and in the spirit of a community now united in grief.

Funeral arrangements for the twins are expected to be announced in the coming days, with local churches and organizations already pledging to assist the family in honoring the memory of Camarion and Jamarion.

For those looking to support or share words of encouragement with the family, community organizers are urging people to reach out through the school district or local churches.

The Grady brothers’ story is one of love, sacrifice, and togetherness—a bond that not even death could separate.