The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE


Tribune Chief Reporter


lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY two months after surviving a crash that killed five young people, 18-year-old Bianca Mathurin says she is getting stronger every day and hopes to use the experience to bring others closer to God.

Ms Mathurin spoke publicly about the June 28 tragedy for the first time yesterday as the Bahamas Christian Council presented $21,013 to survivors and the families of those killed.

She was one of eight people in a Mazda sedan that crashed into a tree at the intersection of Shirley Street and Church Street after the 19-year-old driver reportedly lost control.

The crash killed Keno Gordon Jr, 19; Diamond Stubbs, 17; Betrica Brown, 18; Evalena Johnson, 19; and Stania Webb, 19.

Ms Mathurin, Shawn Thurston, 21, and Marcus Thacker Jr were the only survivors.

Thacker was later charged in connection with the fatal crash, while Ms Mathurin and Mr Thurston continue to recover from serious injuries.

Ms Mathurin suffered injuries to her legs and pelvis and required blood donations before undergoing preliminary surgery.

Mr Thurston suffered a broken femur, a broken leg and multiple fractures to his foot.

A GoFundMe campaign was launched last month to help both survivors with their medical expenses.

Speaking during the cheque presentation at Bahamas Harvest church yesterday, Ms Mathurin, who remains in a wheelchair, described her hospital experience as frightening and said the crash sometimes replayed in her mind.

Despite being told by doctors that her recovery would be lengthy, she said she has continued to improve.

“Like every day, I’m getting better and better,” Ms Mathurin said. “Like everyday, I’m getting one step better.”

She said she hoped the experience would ultimately allow her to help others through her faith.

“For my future, I just pray that I let this this experience,” she said, “help me to like teach other people about God and bring other people closer to God and let them know that we might be going through stuff, but God still got us at the end of the day.”

Bahamas Christian Council President Mario Moxey told the survivors and bereaved families that they were not alone in their grief and pain.

Mr Moxey acknowledged that the money could not replace the lives lost, but said the donation was intended to show that the council cared about those affected and stood with them.

“We want you to know that you’re not alone,” Mr Moxey said, “and that’s what this presentation is all about - that the entire nation of The Bahamas is grieving with you and and we’ll always remember and pray for you guys.”

Damian Stubbs, the father of 17-year-old Diamond Stubbs, thanked the council for its assistance.

Mr Stubbs said the funds would help reimburse families who used their own money to bring relatives to the island.

Ms Mathurin said she had not expected the outpouring of support she and others received after the crash and expressed gratitude for the kindness shown during their recovery.

“It was just nice to see it,” she said.