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'WE'RE AFRAID'
Family of US tourist Dinari McAlmont found dead hours into dream vacation begs for help & insists he was beaten to death
Family has claimed they have been told a different story about the last hours before his death
THE family of an American tourist found dead on vacation are begging for help after police ruled out foul play despite claims he had a run-in with a stranger before his death, The U.S. Sun can reveal.
Sound engineer Dinari McAlmont, 23, from Maryland, was found dead on the shore of Paradise Island in The Bahamas on Sunday, April 5.
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He was staying at the Atlantis Paradise Island resort with his parents who claimed they'd last seen him at around 11 pm local time the night before, according to Fox affiliate WTTG-TV.
McAlmont had left his parents earlier in the evening after dining with them and said he was going to grab a coat.
He then vanished and his panicked family alerted police when they hadn't heard from him in hours.
Officials combed the resort and came across McAlmont’s body at around 5.30 am on Sunday.
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McAlmont's aunt, Marcelle McPherson, claimed the family was told an apparent altercation had happened in the hours before he was found dead.
Police reportedly said that someone had reported McAlmont spitting on someone but there are little details about who was involved in the argument.
An autopsy has since ruled that he died as a result of drowning and police say foul play is not suspected.
But his furious family are asking for answers, alleging they have been left questioning what happened hours before he was found dead on the sand.
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In a Facebook post shared on Friday, McPherson claimed, "Dinari McAlmont's body was supposed to be released to the parlour yesterday (sic).
"The mortery could not release the body. Because his name was spelt wrong he was dead for 8 days now. My sister is so frustrated. She has not seen her son as yet (sic)."
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His aunt alleged they had only been shown a photograph of his "battered face in a folder," and had not been given a copy.
McPherson added that there is no camera footage available and they have been left in the dark.
"We are afraid evidence will disappear. Please we need some international help ASAP please!!" she added.
McAlmont’s mother Michelle told a local news outlet on Monday, "When I looked at the photo they showed me, my son was beaten; he was traumatized.
"They beat my son down in the sand. I need justice for my baby. I need justice."
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the family for further comment.
FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY
Royal Bahamas Police confirmed McAlmont had arrived on the island on Friday, April 4, with family members.
They said: "A post-mortem examination was performed, and the pathologist’s findings revealed that the deceased died as a result of drowning.
"Further, police are still awaiting the forensic toxicology analysis, and investigations are ongoing.
"That said, foul play is not suspected at this time. The matter will be forwarded to His Majesty’s Coroner."
The U.S. Sun has reached out for further comment on McPherson's claims regarding the events before his death.
FULL STATEMENT FROM BAHAMAS RELEASE
UPDATE ON DEATH INVESTIGATION:
Police wish to inform the public that the male body who was found unresponsive on a beach on Paradise Island was officially identified as a 23-year-old Mr. Dinari McAlmont of Bowie, Maryland, USA.
Mr. McAlmont arrived in the Bahamas on Friday, April 4, 2025, along with other family members.
A post-mortem examination was performed, and the pathologist’s findings revealed that the deceased died as a result of drowning.
Further, police are still awaiting the forensic toxicology analysis, and investigations are ongoing.
That said, foul play is not suspected at this time.
The matter will be forwarded to His Majesty’s Coroner.
McAlmont's family has now launched a GoFundMe page for donations in their pursuit of justice.
In a statement, they said, "I'm writing this with a heavy heart following the tragic loss of our beloved Dinari, who was senselessly killed. Our family is shattered, and we are determined to honor his memory by seeking justice on his behalf.
"This GoFundMe campaign is set up to support our legal efforts and advocacy work as we pursue accountability and aim to prevent such a tragedy from happening to anyone else.
"Your generous contribution will help cover the mounting expenses of legal fees, investigations, and other essential costs needed to make our case heard."
They went on to describe McAlmont as being a "kind, compassionate person who touched the lives of many."
"He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength that we are committed to protecting. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to justice.
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"We deeply appreciate all the support, sharing, and prayers that have been shown to our family during this incredibly difficult time.
"Your kindness and encouragement mean the world to us, and it strengthens our resolve to seek justice and keep his memory alive. Thank you for standing with us."
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