This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
Tragedy struck the family of Kenyan MP Bernard Shinali on a fateful Friday afternoon in Arizona, USA, when his 35-year-old son Chris Atema lost his life in a swimming pool.
Atema, a marine soldier serving in the US Army, was on holiday with his family when he attempted to rescue a young Canadian girl who was struggling to stay afloat in the pool.
Unfortunately, despite the efforts of divers, Atema's life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead. The Canadian girl, however, was rescued and is reportedly in a stable condition at the hospital.
According to Atema's uncle, Robert Ayisi, the family received news of his death from a relative who works with him in the Navy. Ayisi stated that Atema was on holiday with his family in Arizona, having traveled from Illinois, where he resides and works.
Plans are underway to have Atema's body airlifted back to Kenya for burial. The family is still grappling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their loved one.
