By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — The lifeless body of 33-year-old Patay Gongbay, a volunteer service provider with the National Transport Authority (NTA) of Liberia and resident of Sanniquellie City, was discovered early Tuesday morning.
Community members found Gongbay seated in a wooden chair on the main street of Sanniquellie and alerted authorities shortly after daybreak. Gongbay had volunteered with the NTA for several years, assisting passengers by loading and unloading luggage at the Sanniquellie NTA parking lot. Eyewitnesses described him as a familiar face on Sanniquellie’s streets.
They noted that he was usually intoxicated with alcoholic beverages and well-known to citizens and regular commuters at the NTA station. Sanniquellie City Mayor Zrammie Zinnor, along with a family member, spoke on the circumstances surrounding Gongbay’s death. Preliminary accounts from these sources attributed his demise to prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption.
A family member confirmed that Gongbay had battled substance use for years, which eventually led him to leave home and live on the street. Despite repeated advice and intervention from relatives, he could not overcome the addiction. Mayor Zinnor stated that a post-mortem examination and police investigation found no foul play. He added that the young man died of natural causes.
The news of Gongbay’s death has drawn concern from residents of Sanniquellie. Several NTA commuters described him as hardworking, despite his personal struggles. Mayor Zinnor is using the incident to raise awareness about alcohol abuse. He urged young people to become determined, productive citizens who avoid drunkenness.
He emphasized the need for personal responsibility and community support to address the problem.
Funeral arrangements have been coordinated by the Sanniquellie City authority and the family, who have taken custody of the body for burial.
