By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net
A TEENAGER died on Sir Milo Butler Highway yesterday morning after he crashed a car reportedly loaned to him into an electrical pole.
The victim, named locally as 16-year-old Jimico Brown, was apparently driving a friend’s gold 2004 Honda Accord Sedan back to its owner when he collided into a pole on the side of the road.
He was driving north on the highway when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The car was totalled and split in half from the impact.
The teenager died of his injuries on the scene. Police believe speed was a factor.
The crash, which happened shortly after 6am, prompted the Ministry of Transport and Aviation to remind motorists to be cautious when driving.
Jimico was an 11th grader at RM Bailey High School and a talented basketball player, who played for the Doris Johnson Mystic Marlins and the RM Bailey Pacers, as well as the Macedonia Baptist warriors.
Brown, who would have celebrated his birthday on July 30, is survived by his parents, Tamika Hamilton and Jim Brown; his grandparents Veronica Hamilton and Oswald Brown.
His siblings are Brenique, Jinaya, Jim Jr and Jiquon Brown; his aunts are Karen Nottage, Wendy Farrington, Marcel Sands, Antoinette Hamilton-Hepburn, Monique Hamilton, Jewel Huyler and Shantel Saunders and his uncles are Troy, Trevor, Kevin Sr. and Jemo Hamilton, Harry Hanna and Kendal Brown.
Glennis Hanna-Martin, Transport and Aviation Minister, extended condolences to the family of the victim when she issued a statement hours after the tragedy.
“We are very saddened to learn of the tragic death of a young male teenager who lost his life today in what appears to be an horrific traffic accident on the Milo Butler Highway.
“We in the Ministry of Transport and Aviation extend condolences to the family which now bears this terrible loss.
“Our schools must educate our children, parents must continuously admonish, and friends must reach levels of maturity to help friends stay safe.”
Mrs Hanna-Martin said her junior minister, Hope Strachan, will soon be revealing the ministry’s national programme to ‘advance road safety nationwide.’
“The objective is to reduce traffic accidents and fatalities in The Bahamas. We want to see our nation happy and productive and minimize needless loss of life and to hold back the wave of pain which very often permanently inhabits the lives of loved ones.
“In the meantime, road users are asked to be on their best behaviour so as to protect their own safety but also so as not to jeopardise the well-being of third party road users.”
Police press officer Inspector Chrislyn Skippings echoed the minister’s caution to motorists.
She also advised drivers who lend vehicles to others to ensure that the individuals are on the car’s insurance policy, as police are making examples of those not following the law.
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Comments
BahamaMamma 12 years, 4 months ago
I hope justice is served and whoever lent him the car in the first place is held accountable in accordance with the law....this kid is too young to be driving..Did he even have a permit?? Anyway what is done is done may he R.I.P ....my condolences to the family
AnonTet 12 years, 4 months ago
My sentiments exactly, how can a 16 year old be driving a car, apparently alone, on the streets of the Bahamas? They should have known better. This is indeed sad news, however, we as Bahamians must adhere to being law abiding citizens, and whomever lent him that car in the first place, was not adhering to the laws of the land.
positiveinput 12 years, 4 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
haitianboy 12 years, 4 months ago
No doubt it was a dumb mistake, but I’m sure whoever loan the kid the car is paying for it. He/she has to live with it, knowing that they somehow contributed to his death. That’s not something a person wish to have on their conscious for the rest of their lives. I was on my to church when I saw the crowd gathered around the accident; I personally saw the kid on the ground and I knew he wouldn’t survive due to the injuries he sustained (I was still hoping though). Thanks to the Defence Force officers who were trying to assist him and shame on the individuals who were taking photos of the kid and the accident. I know they wouldn’t like it if it was done to them of their love ones. My condolences goes out to the family.
kurls 12 years, 4 months ago
R u ppl living in the stoneage or something? Hw cn a 16 yr old be driving? He is old enough to hve a permit. Whether he hd it or not,we dnt know. Half of youll teenage kids be ridin to the store & stuff for the parents anyway. Dnt act surprised like half of the road traffic dnt consist of teens. I just think its time that senior schools hve a drivers ed class & courseso atleast he young adults learn hw 2 better carry themselves in a vehicle along with other important. Facts. Speeding is what cost him! R.I.P JAY
vision25 12 years, 4 months ago
yes, but even still according to the law, persons driving with a permit must be driving with an authorized driver....never alone. My condolences to the family in their time of bereavement.
Concerned 12 years, 4 months ago
"He was driving north on the highway when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed. The car was totalled and split in half from the impact. The teenager died of his injuries on the scene. Police believe speed was a factor."
Are you kidding me? If speed was not a factor in his car splitting in half, how else was it cut in half? Silly police with silly comments. And the Minister of Transport right behind with another silly obvious comment.
MyBahamianPeople 12 years, 4 months ago
yup someone will always try to turn a tragedy into something political ^^^^ instead of sticking to the topic! Let's see if the tribune will post this comment
R.I.P bro
realtalkonli 12 years, 4 months ago
That's real talk jed kurlz my deepest condolences goes to the family of Mico. Hold firm Rhano as Mico rest peacefully . Rest on lil bro!! Everytime I pad up or dribble the ball I ga remember how u used to watch me hoop n how u always smiling. By far one of the dreadest lil woedai I knew.
Gabriel 12 years, 1 month ago
I really feel sad for the family of the victim named Jimico Brown. I hope that his parents are doing good already as of these days. It is very hard to lose a talented and good son. As I take a look on a car's picture above, it seems that the accident was really horrible. Parents should always guide their son/daughter when driving a car. Having and driving a car on the road is a big responsibility that you should be able to take seriously because it is a matter of life and death.. For me, a responsible driver is the one who always follow the road signs, traffic rules and of course, the one who is aware if his car's engine or parts are working properly. You can go to the auto shop and mechanic to ask help for them of which http://www.partstrain.com">car parts do you need to replace.
ThomasWilliams 11 years, 6 months ago
I have witnessed the same accident when I was on my way to work. The car was badly damaged, and some http://www.carid.com">car parts were strewn almost everywhere. I thought that the driver would not survived, but luckily he did. It was a miracle, my wife said. She was the one who confirmed to me about the accident and telling me that the driver was said to be in critical condition, but apparently recovered very fast. She knew that I would be passing by the area on my way to work, and she did just wanted to update me in case I get stuck in traffic jam because of it.
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