By: EMMANUEL TOBOTINHO QUIAH
Monrovia-Residents of Harper, Maryland County rushed out of their homes upon hearing of the discovery of a comatose remains of Papa Abraham Stemn, who went missing after a fishing incident in Maryland County.
His remains washed on shore by raging sea tides looked decomposed, largely unrecognizable, as residents who had gone to get a glimpse of the body were seen holding their noses.
Stemn, 35, a resident of Harper, reportedly went fishing on September 29, 2026, at about 6:00 a.m. with a friend identified as Bishop Toe, according to an incident report documenting the recovery.
During the fishing trip, their canoe reportedly capsized, and Stemn, who according to his sister was a good swimmer, did not survive, except for Bishop Toe.
Upon receipt of the news, a search operation was subsequently launched to find Stemn, either alive or dead.
Following the search that lasted for several days, Stemn remains were discovered on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m. on the beach near the Sea Breeze Entertainment Center, around Lake Shepherd, behind the Cape Palmas High School.
Following the discovery, a team of police officers proceeded to the location and, in coordination with medical personnel from J.J. Dossen Memorial Hospital, responded to the scene.
A medical examination was conducted by medical personnel, identified in the report as Eugene Gblomah, who examined the body and pronounced Stemn dead.
The incident report indicated that there were no apparent signs of foul play observed during the examination.
The circumstances surrounding his death were reportedly consistent with the earlier account of the fishing incident and suspected drowning.
Following the recovery and medical examination, arrangements were made for the deceased’s remains to be received by his family.
The paternal and maternal families of Papa Abraham Stemn reportedly mutually agreed to receive his remains for burial and interment. The body was subsequently released to the family for the necessary funeral and burial arrangements.
An acknowledgment was prepared and signed by family representatives and other individuals involved in receiving the remains, formally documenting the transfer of the deceased’s body to the family.
The recovery brings an end to the search for Stemn, who had remained missing since the September 29 fishing incident.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks faced by fishermen and others engaged in activities on Maryland County’s waterways and coastal areas, particularly the importance of safety measures while at sea.
The family is now expected to proceed with funeral and burial arrangements for Papa Abraham Stemn.
Stemn’s death and discovery, though foul-play ruled out, has renewed memory of similar situations that rocked Maryland County notorious for ritualistic killings.
Recall how seven prominent citizens of the county were hanged during the later part of the William R. Tolbert administration for the death of one Moses Tweh, a popular fisherman who went missing and was later found dead with body parts extracted.
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