Food vendor died of multiple injuries after Mandela Ave hit and run

The post-mortem examination conducted on the body of food vendor Claude McPherson, who died following a hit and run along Mandela Avenue on Wednesday night, revealed that he died as a result of multiple injuries.

June Seaford, his sister, said his neck was broken, his spinal cord was fractured in three places and all his ribs were broken. She said in addition, McPherson suffered a severe open fracture of his hip bones and severe head injuries. The man, who was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital after the accident, eventually succumbed while being treated.

He is to be buried next Wednesday.

McPherson, of 169 East Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, was struck down by a SUV driven by a driver attached to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) as he attempted to cross the road on his bicycle.  The driver of vehicle fled the scene and reportedly told the security guard at GWI that he had hit a horse, after he was asked about the damages on the vehicle. The driver then left GWI and was not seen since and police are continuing a search for him.

GWI issued a statement on Thursday, stating that the driver reported to work and submitted a written report on the accident and then later left after he asked for personal time to visit a relative.

It was further stated that the company contacted the driver and he said he would return to work but never did. GWI said the company is fully cooperating with the police.