Beaches and Parks Employee Fatally Struck on JFK Highway

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – What began as an ordinary workday ended in tragedy on John F. Kennedy Drive.

Just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday morning, a Beaches and Parks Authority worker was fatally struck while carrying out his duties along the busy thoroughfare.

Head of the Traffic Division, Chief Superintendent Sabrina Porter, says officers responded to reports of a traffic accident in the area of the lake.

Chief Supt. Sabrina Porter – Head of Traffic Division, RBPF

“The police received a report of a traffic crash that occurred on JFK Drive, just in the area of the lake. Officers responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, they confirmed the report, and they requested the assistance of EMS personnel. Paramedics shortly thereafter arrived on the scene, where they conducted a preliminary assessment of the male victim, and they found no signs of life.”

Police say the victim, a man in his early 50s, was working alongside another employee when the incident occurred.

Investigators say he was attempting to cross the road from the southern side to the northern side when he was struck by a black Honda Civic traveling east.

Police say the impact dragged the worker a short distance before the vehicle came to a stop.

The scene quickly filled with emotion as family members and co-workers gathered along the roadside, struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss.

Loved ones telling Our News the victim was a father of two who left home for work this morning, never expecting it would be his final day.

Beaches and Parks Authority Chairman Jahmal Strachan arrived at the scene and confirmed the deceased was a Ministry of Works employee assigned to the Authority.

Strachan says the worker was taking part in a routine verge clean up exercise when his life was cut short, and adds that he has been assured by police that the authority will be kept updated as the investigation continues.

Jamahl Strachan – Chairman, Beaches and Parks Authority

“The road traffic police has assured me that they will keep me updated, and we have moved forward in contacting the families to ensure that they are aware of what transpired.”

Strachan says additional measures are already being implemented to make workers more visible to motorists.

Jamahl Strachan – Chairman, Beaches and Parks Authority

“We’ve enhanced our visibility capacity. We are further enhancing it, building on what was already there, and you will see even more enhancements to come.”

He also told members of the House of Assembly that counseling services will be made available to employees as they cope with the shock and grief of losing one of their colleagues.