RBPF Mourns Traffic Officer Duncombe Following Prince Charles Drive Crash

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – A weekend traffic accident has claimed the life of a 37-year-old police officer, leaving his family and the Royal Bahamas Police Force mourning a sudden and devastating loss.

The Traffic Division officer fought for his life in hospital for more than a day, as colleagues and loved ones held onto hope for his recovery.

But early Monday morning, that hope turned to heartbreak.

A somber day for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, as officers mourn the loss of one of their own.

Thirty-seven-year-old police officer Steven Duncombe died early Monday morning, after fighting for his life for more than a day following a traffic accident.

Tributes have been pouring in across social media, as colleagues, friends, and members of the public remember the fallen officer.

Our News reached out to Duncombe’s family and colleagues, giving them an opportunity to share their memories of the officer. They respectfully declined to speak at this time.

But one fellow officer, identifying themselves as “Tango Four-Three,” shared a heartfelt tribute online, remembering Duncombe not only as a colleague, but as a supervisor who made an impact on those who worked under him.

In the message, the officer wrote, “You were a good supervisor. Your shift ran smooth no matter the time of the day.”

A simple message, but one that speaks to the impact Duncombe had on those who served alongside him.

Condolences have also been pouring in from the political arena, with the members of Parliament for Sea Breeze and North Andros among those expressing their sympathies online.

The fatal crash happened shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

Police say Duncombe was travelling west along Prince Charles Drive on a police motorcycle when the driver of a white Suzuki reportedly turned right onto Garden Road.

The two vehicles collided, leaving the police motorcycle extensively damaged and Duncombe seriously injured.

Emergency Medical Services treated him at the scene before rushing him to hospital.

As news of his condition spread, a flyer calling for blood donations for Duncombe was circulated, as colleagues, friends, and loved ones held onto hope for his recovery.

But early Monday morning, that hope turned to heartbreak.

Police say a female passenger in the Suzuki also suffered head injuries in the crash.

And for members of the force, Duncombe’s death may bring back painful memories of another officer lost following a traffic incident while on duty.

Inspector Thomas McIntosh was just 33 years old when he was struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop on Sir Milo Butler Highway in January 2024.

McIntosh suffered catastrophic injuries and was later declared brain dead.

In the midst of their grief, his family made the difficult decision to donate his organs, giving others a chance at life.

Two years later, the force is again grappling with the loss of an officer following a traffic incident.

Now, as Duncombe’s family and his law enforcement colleagues try to come to terms with his sudden death, the investigation into the crash continues.

At this point, police have not said whether any charges will be brought in connection with the collision.