7 News Belize

Man Knocked Down In Ladyville Downpour
posted (December 21, 2015)
39 year old Robert Simplis Jr. was knocked down and killed this weekend as he was walking across the highway in Ladyville. The accident happened around 10:25 pm on Saturday in the midst of a heavy downpour between miles 8 and 9. Police say that poor visibility might have played role in this fatal traffic accident. Senior Superintendent Edward Broaster tells us more.

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"I think that we will be lobbying the chairman of Ladyville to try and get some lighting along this stretch of the highway. I think it's too dark and a little lighting would definitely help the residents of the community in this area."

"We requested blood and urine sample from Mr. Gill and he refused. So he will also be charged for failing to provide specimen."

Daniel Ortiz
"Will he charged for the traffic accident as well?"

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Yes, he will be charged for the fatal accident."

Reporter
"Can you tell us what those charges will be?"

Sr. Supt. Edward Broaster - OC, Eastern Division Rural
"Those charges will be causing death by careless conduct, drove without due care and attention and the usual charges as it relates to traffic fatality."

When police arrived at the scene they found Simplis lying in the middle of the road apparently dead. We spoke to the grieving mother who recounted the last time she saw her son alive.

Carmelita Simplis, Mother
"He want to Adventist church in Belize City and he came home afterwards and in the evening I asked him to help me and he cleaned the house and help wash up dishes and then I fed him, give him something to eat and that was the last time I saw my son."

Robert Simplis Sr., Father
"I know what it is right now to lose a love one."

Reporter
"What kind of person was he?"

Robert Simplis Sr., Father
"He had a mind of his own."

Reporter
"How does the family get over something like this?"

Robert Simplis Sr., Father
"It's terrible."

We met the father, Robert Simplis Sr. who told us that although his son had some ups and downs, they loved him unconditionally.

Robert Simplis Sr., Father
"At the time we encourage him. We tell him some words that I would not like to repeat. Even though he misbehaves sometimes he was loved. Even though they misbehave we love them, but in death it brings out the emotions more."

Police are preparing to lay charges on 28-year-old Reginald James Gill, the driver of the vehicle for traffic related offences.

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