A birthday celebration turned into a heartbreaking tragedy on Monday when a 38-year-old St Mary woman and her 18-year-old son were killed in a devastating motor vehicle collision along the Wilderness main road in Galina.
The deceased have been identified as Abigayle Whitehorn, 38, of Hamilton Mountain, St Mary, and her 18-year-old son, Tyreke Cameron. Reports indicate that Whitehorn was celebrating her birthday on the day of the crash, having spent Sunday night enjoying an early celebration with friends at the Port Maria Bus Park.
According to police reports, the fatal collision occurred at approximately 2:00 p.m. when a white Toyota Hiace bus travelling towards Port Maria reportedly went out of control, crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a grey Toyota Fielder motor car.
Whitehorn, her son and another passenger were travelling in the Fielder towards Oracabessa when the crash occurred. The impact left several occupants of both vehicles injured, prompting emergency assistance and their subsequent transportation to the Port Maria Hospital for treatment.
Tragically, Whitehorn and Cameron succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital. The other injured individuals remain under medical care, with reports indicating that some sustained serious injuries.
The deaths of the mother and son have cast a shadow over what was expected to be a period of celebration for their family and loved ones, as details of the devastating collision continue to emerge.
In the aftermath of the crash, the St Mary police are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution on the nation’s roadways, reminding drivers of the importance of maintaining control of their vehicles and remaining vigilant while travelling.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are ongoing.