Bagotville motorcyclist dies in crash

An unlicensed motorcyclist died early yesterday morning, less than two days before he would have celebrated his birthday, after he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle he was riding and slammed into a lorry before hitting a light pole.

Dead is Shawn Patrick, 22 of Lot 89 David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who had left his home on Friday evening to attend a dance held at Pouderoyen with his friends.

At the time of the accident which occurred around 04:05 hrs on the Goed Fortuin Public Road, WBD he was returning home. Patrick sustained massive head injuries and was taken to the West Demerara Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Dead: Shawn Patrick
Dead: Shawn Patrick

The driver of motor lorry GJJ 5817 was taken into custody and is assisting the police with investigations.

The Guyana Police Force in a statement said investigations have disclosed that Patrick was riding motorcycle CH 8338 south on the road at a fast rate. “He overtook a motor car on a turn, hit the left side front of the motor lorry then slammed onto a light pole,” the release said.

Stabroek News also understands that besides not being the holder of a licence, Patrick was not wearing a helmet and he was allegedly speeding. It was unclear whether he was under the influence of alcohol.

At his home yesterday, a number of relatives and friends had gathered. His sister was heard wailing loudly saying, “I cannot get another brother like he.”

His mother, Abiola Lynch said she was awakened yesterday morning by the calls of a neighbour who visited her home to inform her that Patrick had been involved in an accident and he subsequently died.

She said she immediately left for the scene with other relatives. When they arrived, Patrick’s body was lying motionless on the roadway and it appeared that he was already dead. “There was just blood and half of his body was on the bike while the other was on the road,” the mother stated while trying to hold back her tears. There was also a gaping wound to his head.

Lynch said she last saw her son alive on Friday evening. She said he was at home when some friends visited and told him about the dance and he later left with them. “He didn’t had any plan to go or so, it just come up just so and he decide to go,” she said.

Patrick was described by his family as a very jovial and loving individual. His body is currently at the Ezekiel Funeral Home. He would have celebrated his 23rd birthday tomorrow.