Cameron Robbins tribute honors teen ‘lost at sea’ in Bahamas
Louisiana high school graduate Cameron Robbins is being remembered as a kind, funny, “intense and driven” person more than one week after disappearing in “shark-infested” waters during a Bahamas vacation with classmates.
“Cameron Crossley Robbins was a beloved grandson, son, brother and friend. He was lost at sea after being reported missing off the coast of Athol Island in the Bahamas on the evening of May 24,” states an obituary published in the 18-year-old’s honor.
Robbins, an avid baseball player, had graduated from the University Lab School in Baton Rouge just days before he vanished.
He was last seen late May 24 in the waters off Athol Island in the Bahamas after he leaped from Blackbeard’s Revenge, a pirate ship-style vessel.
Haunting video footage shows Robbins swimming away from a rescue buoy as onlookers shout for him to grab the device.
Online viewers have speculated they could see flashes of a shark-like sea creature in the video and Robbins was trying to get away from it. A second later, he has disappeared under the surface.
The US Coast Guard spent two days looking for any sign of Robbins or his belongings before officials called off the search, after findinf no trace of him.
Robbins’ family had joined searchers in the Bahamas before returning to the US Sunday, officials said.
A memorial service for the teen has been scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. June 4 at the Broadmoor United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.
Robbins was adopted as a baby from Abilene, Texas, and was one of three children in the family.
He partook in sports even at the pre-school age, and “eventually chose baseball as his first love.”
“He was a tough player, battling back from multiple injuries, known to pitch through separated shoulders and broken hands,” the obituary states.
Robbins had planned to continue playing the sport in college.
The recent grad was no stranger to the water, and had recently returned from a fishing trip with his father and brother, the tribute states.
The obituary lists his truck, country music – claiming he “was always a big star in the shower and with karaoke machines” – Louisiana State University sports, and his family’s cooking among the things he loved.
“Though he left this world far too soon, he lived a life full of good friends and family. He was funny and kind-hearted, but also intense and driven. He doted on his grandparents and he took pride in his work.
“He will be missed desperately by his family and friends, who will carry their cherished memories of him to eternity.”
The family has asked that those interested in honoring Robbins do so in the form of donations to the Christian Homes & Family Services in Abilene, Texas, in lieu of flowers.
Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) officials notified the US Coast Guard around 11:30 p.m. May 24 of Robbins’ disappearance, more than an hour after the teen was allegedly dared to jump into the water.
RBDF Commodore Raymond King previously told the Daily Mail the waters are “really shark-infested,” which prompted online speculation that a flash of a shark could be seen in the water near Robbins in the footage.
Crews searched over 325 square miles with no success before concluding their search on May 26.
What to know about Cameron Robbins disappearance
Cameron Robbins, 18, graduated from University Laboratory School in Baton Rouge in May and was on a trip to the Bahamas with students from several local high schools.
According to witnesses, the teen — who was apparently acting on a dare — took a plunge off a party cruise into the ocean near Athol Island at night.
Robbins was last seen splashing in the dark, “shark-infested” waters a few feet from the boat, before vanishing from view.
A chaotic video taken moments after the jump also shows the recent graduate ignoring onlookers’ pleas to grab a buoy.
The party ship remained in the area for several hours while the crew looked for Robbins.
The Coast Guard called off its own search two days later, after reportedly scouring over 325 square miles.
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A spokesperson for Blackbeard’s Revenge told The Post the boat’s crew “executed the ‘man overboard’ protocol in line with all approved safety procedures and company policies to ensure the best chance of retrieving an individual who has gone overboard.”
“Our deepest condolences to the Robbins family as they go through this difficult time,” the spokesperson added.
“Since the incident, the company has reviewed all safety measures and protocols and are confident that the company’s practices were and continue to be in line with the highest industry standards to keep its passengers safe.”
Robbins and his classmates were traveling through California-based company ISTours, which curates trips, such as a “GradWeek” vacation, for larger travel groups.
The company would not comment when contacted by The Post, other than to say: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robbins Family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Robbins celebrated his graduated in a post on his Instagram alongside several photos of his friends and family, which he captioned: “So sad it’s over.” Tributes poured in.
A GoFundMe page has also been created to benefit the family.
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