Nimba County, July 30, 2025 — A tragic event occurred in Gbeletuo Town, Nimba County, where 25-year-old Josiah Whean reportedly took his own life in Whean’s Village Bush, Electoral District #5.
According to early reports, the Crime Services Division (CSD) in Toweh Town was notified by Commissioner Justin Wehyee of the Boe and Quilla Administrative District. Commissioner Wehyee said Whean went into the bush and fatally shot himself with a single-barrel firearm.
A joint investigation team, including the district coroner, quickly arrived at the scene. They found Whean’s body lying in a pool of blood, with a gunshot wound on the left side. The firearm, believed to be the one used, was found nearby and taken into police custody for further investigation.
Whean’s wife, 22-year-old Princess Josiah, told investigators that earlier that day, her husband had traveled to Gbahplay and Bahn City to sell a bag of rubber. He planned to use the money to repair his motorcycle. After returning, he said he was going to their village farm in Whean’s Village. Hours later, his body was found. She said the family is unsure what led him to take his own life.
Coroner John Toweh and a 15-member Coroner’s Jury examined the body and confirmed the death was a suicide caused by a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The jury’s findings were:
- Josiah Whean died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- The single-barrel firearm found at the scene was likely used in the act.
- No signs of foul play were found.
After the investigation, the family decided not to pursue legal action and waived any prosecution. They later received his remains for burial.
Community members expressed shock and called for more mental health awareness and support in rural areas to help prevent similar tragedies.
