A family finally has some closure with the recovery of a second missing son and brother.
The second man has been recovered from Sengekontacket Pond today, ending a four-day search that started Sunday night when two brothers went missing after a late-night jump off the big bridge on Beach road on the Oak Bluffs/Edgartown border.
The body of Tavaris Bulgin, 26, was recovered at approximately 6:24 a.m. the next morning by the Massachusetts State Police, and followed a multi-day police, fire, and Coast Guard search. Late Thursday morning, a shellfisherman located Tavaughn Bulgin, 21, near Felix Neck in Edgartown.
A memorial was placed at the big bridge
A memorial was placed at the big bridge
In the wake of the accident, the Island has come together to mourn. Hundreds of members of the community gathered with Bulgin family members at the big bridge on Wednesday evening to hold a vigil in honor of the brothers.
The two men, of Clarendon, Jamaica, were employees of Nomans, a restaurant in Oak Bluffs, Edgartown police chief Bruce McNamee confirmed Tuesday.
“Tavaris and Tavaughn left an impression on everyone they met—at 26 and 21 years old, their bright smiles, charismatic personalities, unshakable faith and unrelenting positive attitude made them an absolute joy to be around,” Doug Abdelnour, owner of Nomans, wrote on the Tavaris and Tavaughn Memorial Fund web page he created to cover funeral and travel expenses for the family.
The memorial
The memorial
With an initial fundraising target of $50,000, the fund has since raised more than $176,000, with more than 1,300 donors contributing to the cause. One anonymous donor contributed $25,000 Wednesday afternoon.
The brothers are survived by their parents, Reverend Keith and Jacqueline Bulgin of Palmers Cross, Clarendon, Jamaica, and by their two sisters.
Reverend Leslie Pinnock of the Escarpment Road New Testament Church of God of Kingston, Jamaica, spoke to the Jamaica Observer on behalf of the grieving family. He confirmed that both Tavaris and Tavaughn were active in their father’s ministry.
“They played music in church, and were actively involved in their father’s ministry; these were young men who were destined to make a difference,” Rev. Pinnock told the Observer.
A Coast Guard helicopter took part in search efforts.
A Coast Guard helicopter took part in search efforts.
Both young men had studied business at universities in Jamaica, he added.
Lieutenant Chris Dolby of the Edgartown Police Department (EPD) told the Gazette that the search effort for the brothers began around 11 p.m. Sunday night, after EPD received a call reporting “swimmers in distress” at the big bridge.
“Once on scene, police learned several employees of a local restaurant traveled to the bridge; four individuals jumped off the bridge. Two individuals began to struggle in the current,” Cape & Islands District Attorney Michael O’Keefe wrote in a press release. Those two individuals “did not return to shore,” the press release continued.
Within minutes of the initial call, Oak Bluffs and Edgartown rescue boats were searching the area. State police and Coast Guard helicopters, boats and divers began multiple searches inside and outside of Sengekontacket Pond. Shoreline searches were conducted on foot and by all-terrain vehicle along all the northern-facing shoreline from the small bridge to bend in the road as well as the pond side.
Oak Bluffs police chief Jonathan Searle said state and environmental police had continued the search Tuesday morning, performing grid searches with sonar technology. He said divers manually checked areas flagged by sonar scans.
Oak Bluffs fire chief Nelson Wirtz said that marker buoys were dropped and followed and their paths and locations searched multiple times.
Adverse weather Wednesday complicated the state and environmental police’s continued efforts.The big bridge, officially named the American Legion Memorial Bridge, is known colloquially as the “Jaws” bridge for its prominent feature in the 1975 blockbuster of the same name.
Comments
My heart goes out to all
Susan Desmarais Oak BluffsMy heart goes out to all involved. To all the first responders …special appreciation for doing your heartbreaking work.
My heart breaks for the
Brian LeBeauMy heart breaks for the family involved and pray for the soul of the departed. This has been discussed over and over please OBPD and or Selectboard, make this the very last tragedy we need to read about because people are deserving of a right to passage. Prayers for family and friends on this tragic loss.
I cringe as I pass the bridge
CoCo Boston/EDGI cringe as I pass the bridge everyday packed with excited kids, tweens, young adults bursting with adrenaline to make that jump and cross it off their bucket list. Sadly excitement can quickly turn into a tragedy in a split second and forever all involved are never the same. Condolences to the families + friends of the two people lost and prayers to the first responders for doing a most difficult job.
I almost had the same
Eddie BraintreeI almost had the same outcome last week in that exact spot. The current was so strong. If it wasnt for my best friend paul i would have been gone. Scary that 1 minute your having a blast and the next youre terrified for your life
Our hearts are heavy and are
James white Oak Bfuff via YeadonOur hearts are heavy and are praying that the other person is found alive. Sadness for the family of the dead. God will comfort them
My heart breaks for the
suzyMy heart breaks for the family and friends of the men. The first responders are heroes.
The lesson here isn’t about
Danny East ChopThe lesson here isn’t about the leap, but rather, to regularly read the gazette’s tide chart. Full moon tide swings make for river-like currents between the pond and the sea. Really easy to lose track of someone in a river, in the dark. MV has the strongest tide swings in all of southern New England. Gotta respect the ocean.
I was at the north an south
Steven Marshfeild MAI was at the north an south river yesterday, an with the amount of water coming out of low tide was ripping so fast we couldn’t get into south river because the current was absolutely ripping, so if a 14 foot skiff can’t keep up, how could a person? It’s very sad I feel for the friends an family involved.
Totally agree.
Cynk New HampshireTotally agree.
Thousands of injury-free
Phil White EarthThousands of injury-free jumps per year, decade after decade. One horribly tragic jump. At 11 PM. Can MVY leadership keep themselves from a knee-jerk, nanny state legislative response? Perhaps instead take a look at the activities leading to EMS responses on the island then legislate away the most common underlying causes? They may need to revive Carrie Nation and Elliott Ness to succeed. Whether it's Dike Bridge or Second/American Legion/Jaws Bridge, the poor decision making of youth is something that can't be legislated away. The tragic demise of these poor young souls will be a lesson in itself to those willing to follow rationality over the wonderful but sometimes regrettable impetuousness of youth. Deep condolences to their families.
Very nicely stated.
Steve edgVery nicely stated.
You seems to have forgotten
Jenna MVYou seems to have forgotten that last year someone almost died at the little bridge. That person suffered a neck injury and would have drowned if not for the fact that there were firefighters from offisland in the immediate area. Signs on the Big bridge have been defaced. People stand on the railing separating the road and the bridge all the time, one large gust of wind could knock them into oncoming traffic. Just the other day, a video of a woman try to jump but falling backwards onto the walkway showed up on Instagram. The situation has gotten out of control and honestly there needs to be some measures to prevent more tragedies from happening.
Perfectly Stated
Tom SouthbridgePerfectly Stated
The insensitivity of this
DownislanderThe insensitivity of this remark is disgusting. Victim-blaming & shaming after a horrific tragedy is par for the course for some people who completely lack empathy and grace.
Well said, and while it is
Vasha Brunelle Vineyard HavenWell said, and while it is tragic that these youths will never see their adult lives play out, government should not try to legislate impetous behavior, or no one is free.
Is it time to enforce the “No
John Q Public Oak BluffsIs it time to enforce the “No Jumping” signs so prominently displayed on the bridge, rather than promoting this activity as a tourist attraction?
Agreed…
Shelley EdyAgreed…
I totally agree with you.
TiaI totally agree with you.
I fully agree. It is
Melicha Smith JamaicaI fully agree. It is seemingly way too risky
It's my understanding that
Carolyn O'Daly EdgartownIt's my understanding that the bridge is part of the state highway system and under the jurisdiction of the state police, not the town. What they need to do is put up ugly fences that would prevent people from jumping like they have on the Bourne bridge.
Agree with John Q Public.
Empress of Ocean Park Oak BluffsAgree with John Q Public.
Only 1 person per thousands of car occupants dies in a car crash, yet the government requires the use of seat belts because society places a value on each life. If it were your son or daughter who had died, I suspect you might expect those aware of the dangers to have taken a more active role in preventing the loss of your child’s life.
If it’s too risky for you don
Joe OBIf it’s too risky for you don’t jump off the bridge. The signage is sufficient. I have seen plenty of people decide not to jump. They made a choice not to. Some people make the choice to jump. It comes down to personal choice.
Always dangerous especially
Alan Wilson FitchburgAlways dangerous especially late at night
My heart goes out to the
Gail Gardner Oak BluffsMy heart goes out to the family of these two men. But can we please stop debating jumping off the bridge right now? This isn’t the place for that or the time. A family is suffering imaginable loss right now. Maybe we could think of them instead
Very well said Gail.
Tammy Deese Hyannis formerly OBVery well said Gail. Condolences for the family. Many thanks to the first responders
Thank you Gail. Exactly what
Madeline Fisher EdgartownThank you Gail. Exactly what needs to happen right now. Dear family of these young men our hearts are with you at this most difficult time.
This is a very very sad
Vanessa Gayle JamaicaThis is a very very sad incident...condolences to the family. It is hard to lose a loved one, especially a son.
As it relates to the famous jump, I suggest that the relevant authorities monitor the bridge to prohibit jumping at high tyde seasons; and that jumps only be done when there is visibility.
While I have jumped off that
JT MVWhile I have jumped off that bridge hundreds of times, I was once caught in the current along with my at-the-time 6-year-old, and we both would have most likely drowned had it not been for a random couple guys heading out to fish in their boat from the pond side. The tide was running in, and once we were caught in it, trying to swim sideways to shore was futile. We were either going to make it to Sarson Island(though unlikely) or drown. One of the scariest moments of my life. You simply can't compete with those tides.
My most sincere and deepest
Scott Ryan New Jersey/EdgartownMy most sincere and deepest condolences to all involved! A night of fun turned to unimaginable tragedy! That said, there are NO JUMPING signs for a reason---It is dangerous and hear all the people saying that there are thousands of injury free jumps BUT there have been injuries there before and last year a terrible accident at Little Bridge. Passing that bridge with dozens of kids and adults lined up every day---right next to the No Jumping signs ---makes me shudder. Most likely injury it someone unwittingly jumping on top of another swimmer or a weak swimmer coaxed into jumping. Lifeguards ar beaches for a reason. Things happen and this tragedy was avoidable.
I agree- 40 years ago jumping
Mit Gold EdgartownI agree- 40 years ago jumping off the bridge was a quaint challenge that attracted several people in warm weather. Over the past 20 years it’s gotten so popular that on a hot summer day there are hundreds of people gathered waiting to jump. It was an accident waiting to happen. I too have been caught in that strong current and although I’m a daily strong swimmer I’ve had some trouble getting back to shore. Perhaps it’s time to look at how to manage this to minimize the dangers.
OMG! We are extremely
Rose Peters JamaicaOMG! We are extremely devastated back home in Jamaica. They are both brothers and past students of the school I work. The entire school community is in mourning.
Rose, my heart breaks for you
CEM Cape CodRose, my heart breaks for you. Please take care of yourself and your Jamaican family. Know that there are many Cape Codders holding the young men in our best thoughts. Peace.
I’m so sorry I for your
Wendy WTI’m so sorry I for your community’s loss. Please know we share in your grief. From one island community to another.
My heart goes out to you in
Marina Lent EdgartownMy heart goes out to you in Jamaica for this terrible tragedy -- please give your community a big hug and our love in this very hard time. From one island to another.
Sending condolences to the
Tamiko McArthur New Haven, CTSending condolences to the family and friends in JA. So sorry for your loss.
My heart goes out to all of
Jane Rossi West TisburyMy heart goes out to all of you during this extremely difficult time. This is just so tragic.
I am so sorry for your
Carol BostonI am so sorry for your community, the boys and their families
Soon there will no doubt be a
Shelley Christiansen Oak BluffsSoon there will no doubt be a memorial next to the No Jumping sign. It will get attention.
I am feeling so weak and hurt
Sonia MC Donald Clarendon, JamaicaI am feeling so weak and hurt for this my church family...I pray that God intervene on their behalf
Just saw this post in bible
Kamara JamaicaJust saw this post in bible college group... My condolences to the family.
My condolences to the Bulgin
J. Douse Lionel Town Town ClarendonMy condolences to the Bulgin family I can explain what I'm feeling right now so I can just imagine what the family is going through, I pray their strength as they go through this time of grieving, the Lord is the strength of your life,take courage my Bishop and family
Words are inadequate for
RobiLynn EdgartownWords are inadequate for grieving families but know, as all I can offer you is heartfelt thoughts and prayers, they are most sincerest. This is equally difficult on first responders. Thank you for your selfless service, at all hours. You are so appreciated.
Very sad… A 2 sided glow-in
Jason Danielson Solutionsville & OBVery sad… A 2 sided glow-in-the-dark tide clock that shows the “red zone” when max tide is ripping in or out of the pond would help people decide if jumping at that time is a good idea or not.
Make it a memorial to the brothers, who tragically lost their lives trying to have the best time of their lives.
This would not conflict with town’s official policy that nobody should do what everyone loves to do and 99.999% do without injury or tragedy every year. Purely informational. It would be helpful to fishermen as well as those seeking exciting refreshment. (Maybe MV Derby or Surfcasters could fundraise for it?)
My hope is that we may honor the lives of those lost in a creative way that helps solve the problem by giving people the information they need to make good choices.
Probably the only reasonable
Bob Long IslandProbably the only reasonable alternative to shutting it down completely> Which if left in as is condition, will only happen with presence of a town employee on duty. Can't imagine the sense of loss, peace to their family. Awful.
Tide clock is a great idea!
Christine SengeTide clock is a great idea!
A tide clock is a great idea,
Slater MVA tide clock is a great idea, as well as some prominent signage on what to do if caught in the current. We used to jump when it was a ripping outgoing tide just so we could ride out past the jetties before swimming around and in…
I think Slater is right. I
Brian O’Connell Medfield maI think Slater is right. I used to jump off this bridge 50 years ago and I don’t think there’s any way to stop kids in the future from jumping off the bridge. The best solution is to Post a sign with safety instructions in the event of being pulled to sea in the current. Circle around at the end of the jetty and swim to shore. Don’t waste energy fighting the current.
Deepest condolences to the family of these boys.
Tide clock is a great idea. I
kate Zelenka EdgartownTide clock is a great idea. I don’t think most people even know about the currents. Information would be helpful. To anyone driving state beach; The amount of people who are lined up ready to jump give the illusion the only thing to be afraid of is the height.
Agree with the tide clock
Jack McMahon HopedaleAgree with the tide clock idea. There are times of the day when jumping off the bridge is as safe as jumping into a swimming pool. There are other times when it can be deadly. Even a Traffic light, or "DEFCON Level" indicator could be helpful. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the two lost souls- sounds like the world lost two very good people...
In any debate over stopping
Stuart Santos Oak BluffsIn any debate over stopping the jumping from the two bridges, let's not lose sight of the fact that any barrier to jumping will also be a barrier to fishing. Many fisherman fish from both those bridges, but especially the "Big Bridge." For many who are aged or disabled, that is a primary access point. I'd hate to see their ability to fish from those places removed.
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