New Year celebrations have been put on hold for a La Horquetta family now mourning the loss of one of their relatives after a car crash in Arima on Saturday night. So intense was the crash that a tree, which the car ran into was uprooted from its spot.
Police said Kendell Cox, 34, was driving his silver Nissan Wingroad near Food Basket, O’Meara, along the Churchill Roosevelt Highway, around 9.15 pm when he reportedly overtook several vehicles on the left lane.
Cox is said to have driven on a grassy area when he lost control and drifted onto the middle of the road, hitting the median on the fast lane and then crashing into a tree, uprooting it.
Other drivers saw the accident and called the Fire Service, who visited the scene and used the Jaws of Life to remove Cox.
A district medical officer visited the scene and declared Cox dead.
Speaking with Guardian Media at the family’s home yesterday, Cox’s mother Jean Williams said her son worked as a hospital attendant with the Chaguanas District Health Facility and was already dressed for work at the time of the accident.
She noted that in his haste to leave home, she continued to remember his last words to her.
“He had his two sons here for the weekend so I asked him if he was sure he had to go to work tonight and he said, ‘Yes, mom.’
“Apparently as it was the end of 2024, he had to sign off certain things because after that he would be on holidays and would go back out to work for the new year.
“He kept telling me he have to go, he have to go, so that recording in my head and I thought to myself, Kendell said he had to go, and when people say things, sometimes, you don’t interpret it in the way it’s meant.”
Williams said she heard about her son’s accident from a relative who lived abroad whom Cox was speaking to while driving.
She said the relative called her and told her to get to the O’Meara portion of the highway immediately.
Referring to an ironing board Cox gifted her for Christmas, Williams said her son cared about her greatly and she already felt the loss of his passing.
Williams was surrounded by immediate and extended family yesterday. She said she was deeply shaken following Cox’s death but thanked them and the strength of God for overcoming the grief.
Asked what advice she had for drivers who may venture out on the road during the upcoming New Year festivities, Williams urged them to be cautious and mindful of others around.
“I think most times they should take the necessary precautions and take steps in life.
“Live for the New Year, it’s just good to be safe than sorry.”
Meanwhile, in Tobago a pedestrian was killed while crossing the roadway.
Police said the incident took place at Sherwin Road, Bon Accord, late Saturday night.
