The Tribune

By KYLE WALKINE

Tribune Staff Reporter

kwalkine@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama’s Rand Memorial Hospital Administrator Catherine Weech has confirmed to The Tribune that there is an investigation underway to determine how a police officer died at the hospital last weekend after being treated for an ankle injury. 

While the administrator gave minimal details on the matter, she said a report should be concluded on the matter by mid-next week. 

Police Constable Garvin Demeritte, 31, died on Saturday in the emergency room of the Rand Memorial Hospital, Mrs Weech said.

Demeritte suffered an ankle injury three weeks ago as a result of a car accident. He was fitted with a cast. It was not clear how the injuries were caused, but unconfirmed reports suggest that a car tyre had rolled over his foot.

The day before his death, Demeritte went to the Hawksbill Clinic for his regular check. On Saturday morning, he started experiencing difficulty breathing while attending a prayer breakfast at his church, The Tribune was told.

He was taken to the hospital, where he died that afternoon.

It is believed that the officer may have suffered a heart attack, which may have been caused by a blood clot. 

Earlier this year, 21-year-old Patreka Romer, went to the Rand Memorial Hospital with an ankle injury and died while in the hospital.

The administrator said Romer’s cause of death was not classified as a result of negligence.

According to Mrs Weech staff at the Rand Memorial Hospital “operate within the context of their limitation while trying to provide the best service” they can.

Demeritte was a father of two children, ages nine and one, and had served in the Royal Bahamas Police Force for five years.