Triumph from Tragedy is an ongoing story on Ambergris Caye. In 2017, after Rickilee Mercer tragically drowned and there was no way to respond, we knew things had to change—and fast. Even though none of us had any experience with search and rescue or emergency response, we threw ourselves into the challenge. Our top priority was finding a strong leader: a Belizean deeply connected to the community with hands-on rescue experience. We found exactly that in Mr. Phillip (Billy) Leslie, who took on the role without hesitation, trusting our promise never to give up. Although past efforts had failed for various reasons, we were all determined to commit fully. Together, we assembled a dedicated local team, united by the belief that real change was overdue.

February 28th marks nine years since the most heartbreaking and transformative day of my life—a day I still relive, mourn, and that forever altered my life's direction. I’d been fortunate to stay home, raise my children, and support my husband, having not worked outside the home since 1993. Life was just as I wanted it—until Rickilee's body was recovered, and I was faced with telling her mother, Mary, and her lifelong friend, Danielle, the devastating news. At that moment, I realized both I and Ambergris Caye could never be the same. Guided entirely by faith, with no idea where the journey would lead but driven by a new sense of purpose, we founded Rickilee Response and Rescue out of tragedy, faith, and love for the island.

Now, nine years and over 5000 responses later, sirens are a familiar sound, and people often trust that help is on the way—sometimes forgetting how it all began. What remains unforgettable is the loss of Rickilee Mercer, a vibrant, adventurous, and joyful spirit whose legacy changed everything.