David Courtenay dies in fiery accident

He was a member of one of Belize’s most prominent political families, a successful businessman, and as former Deputy Chairman of the D.F.C., was a key witness in the recent Commission of Inquiry public hearings. Tonight we regret to report that David Courtenay is dead. Sometime around five this morning, Courtenay lost control of his Toyota Land Cruiser between miles twenty and twenty-one on the Western Highway, near the entrance of Gracie Rock. The vehicle veered off the road, clipped a light pole, and then burst into flames. When police arrived on the scene, they extinguished the fire and found a single charred body inside. Although forensic testing will make an official determination, the body was identified as David on the scene by his brother, Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay. The death of David, forty-six, was not the first tragedy faced by parents Harry and Audrey Courtenay. About twenty-five years ago another brother, Andrew, was killed in a freak accident when the T.V. antennae he was erecting at the family’s home touched high voltage electric lines. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.