HERALD senior business reporter Bright Madera has died. He was 32. Madera drowned at Caribbea Bay Hotel swimming pool in Kariba yesterday. He went to Kariba on Thursday on assignment to cover the official opening of a ZB Bank branch in the resort town.

Madera was staying at the hotel owned by Africa Sun. Madera went on a boat cruise with ZB officials and other journalists and later went for swimming with two other journalists.

Madera appeared to have taken long to resurface from under the water.

Deputy Officer commanding Kariba District, Superintendent Gladmore Chiparaushe, confirmed Madera's death. He said Mars rescue team was called but failed to resuscitate him.

"Preliminary investigations indicate sudden death by drowning.

Africa Sun chief executive Mr Shingi Munyeza said he received the shocking news about the tragedy yesterday evening. "It is a tragic event and I am very sorry about what happened.

"He was such a wonderful and professional journalist who carried out his duties in a diligent manner. It's a huge loss," said Mr Munyeza.

Madera joined The Herald for his internship in 2002. He left the newspaper in October the following year to join the Sunday News in Bulawayo, where he rose through the ranks to become business editor.

Madera family spokesperson, Mr John Mapunura, said they were saddened by the death of Bright.

"He was hard working man with a young family. He was very optimistic and he wanted to see his kids grow."

He is survived by wife Rumbi and twins Nomufaro and Nokutenda.