Senior Reporter
rhondor.dowlat@guardian.co.tt
To her family, 17-year-old Kaylee Daniella Poonan was the embodiment of warmth and joy.
Known for her bright smile and infectious energy, Poonan brought light into every room she entered. She had a knack for making people feel seen and appreciated, always with a kind word or playful joke.
Her cousin Raquel Amanda lovingly described her as “cute, lively, and unstoppable,” a girl with a bold spirit and a heart full of love. Poonan’s presence was a gift to those around her—a mix of sass, kindness, and unwavering affection that made her impossible to forget. This vibrant spirit was mourned deeply as her loved ones gathered for her funeral.
The air was heavy with sorrow as tassa drums played a final tribute to her, their rhythms quickening as her body—dressed as a bride—lay in a casket that was gently lifted from the hearse. As the beats intensified, mourners crumbled under the weight of their grief, overcome by the realisation that Poonan’s bright light had been extinguished too soon.
Poonan’s funeral was both a celebration of her life and a painful farewell. Friends and family struggled to reconcile the joy she once brought with the heartache of her absence. Raquel, in tearful reflection, remembered Poonan as not just a sister, but a best friend—a “firecracker” who lived with fearless enthusiasm. From a young age, Poonan had a spark that drew people to her.
She was quick-witted, adventurous, and unafraid to express herself. But beyond her boldness was a gentle soul, one who cared deeply for her family and friends. “She was the type who could see something once and master it,” Raquel said. “She lived with both sass and sweetness.”
Those who knew Poonan always spoke of her kindness and zest for life. Her close friend Adriann recalled how Poonan had a way of brightening even the darkest days. “She was a light in everyone’s life—always happy, always making us laugh,” Adriann shared. Poonan’s presence was a source of comfort and joy, making her passing all the more difficult to bear.
Weather challenges added to the difficulty of her funeral and cremation, yet nothing could deter those who loved her from gathering to honour her memory.
News of Poonan’s sudden death on Tuesday night shook her community to its core. The accident that claimed Poonan’s life took place when she was being driven by her 19-year-old boyfriend, Navin Bedassie, in a red Mitsubishi Evo-6. Known for its speed, the car veered off the Solomon Hochoy Highway and crashed into a pole.
Despite their young age, Poonan and Bedassie were deeply in love, planning a future together. Just a day before the crash, Poonan posted on Facebook, jokingly commenting about Bedassie’s fast driving: “No joke, mans drive like if I have extra lives.” Bedassie survived the crash but remains in critical condition.
During the funeral service, the pundit urged those in attendance to live with intention. “We don’t live day by day but moment by moment,” he advised. “Young people should strive for a life of balance and care. In tragedy, assigning blame is meaningless—death respects neither age, race, nor religion.”
The loss of Kaylee Daniella Poonan is a stark reminder of how fragile life can be. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those she touched. But even in her absence, her legacy endures—one of laughter, compassion, and a boundless love for life. As the ceremony drew to a close, the memory of Poonan’s laughter and warmth lingered in the air, reminding everyone of the impact one life can have.
Though her journey was short, Poonan’s spirit continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those she left behind.