22-year-old man who died from drowning at Cape Cod pond remembered for “doing whatever it takes with a smile”

A young man who died after drowning at a pond on Cape Cod is being remembered.

According to Fire Chief Joseph Peltier, at just after 6:00 p.m. on Monday, Mashpee Fire and Rescue and the Mashpee Police Department responded to the area of 347 Main St. for a reported possible drowning at Mashpee Pond. 

An off-duty Mashpee firefighter was among the first to arrive on scene and, with assistance from the Mashpee Harbormaster’s Department, immediately initiated rescue operations and requested activation of the Barnstable County Dive Team. As additional units arrived, multiple Mashpee firefighters and police officers entered the water in an attempt to locate the victim. 

At approximately 6:20 p.m., the victim, a 22-year-old Gabrial Barbosa of West Yarmouth, was located and removed from the water by responders. Emergency medical care was initiated on scene, and the victim was transported to Falmouth Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased. The incident spanned approximately 30 minutes. 

Barbosa’s employer, Stetson Landscape & Construction took to social media to remember him.

“We know many of our customers grew to know Gabrial over the years. Gabrial was a do whatever it takes with a smile of kind of guy and not because he was faking it. Because he truly was just that kind of guy. He brought out the best of everyone. Saying he will be missed is the biggest understatement.

“We know time doesn’t stop for anything. But we do ask for some grace as we navigate through this tremendous loss and let everyone grieve in their own way.”

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.