16 year old student killed in traffic accident
Just after eleven this morning, a young student lost his life in a traffic accident in the Ladyville area. Dale Sibley was heading on bicycle to his home when he was hit by a vehicle traveling toward Belize City. He apparently was distracted by his IPod and did not hear that a car was approaching from behind. Family members and friends gathered at the scene on news of the tragedy. News Five’s Delahnie Bain has a report on the fatality.
Delahnie Bain, Reporting
A sixteen year old student, Dale Sibley, was looking forward to his last year at Ladyville Technical High School, until a tragic accident this morning. Sibley had just left his mother’s restaurant and was riding near mile thirteen on the Northern Highway with friends. Reports are that the teen was listening to his iPod through earphones and did not hear a vehicle coming from behind. Sibley reportedly cut across the road, giving the driver no time to avoid the collision. The area representative was in the area when the accident occurred.
“I noticed someone was lying on the ground and I saw that black car and I said someone got knocked down. I alerted my driver and we came immediately over here. The driver of the Camry was over the body. It looked like he was trying to see if the person was still alive. I must say that when I got on the scene, I called his name because I know the child—he grew up in my neighborhood—so it really devastate myself also. I felt for his pulse and I noticed that his pulse was already weak. He took about two deep breaths and after that I realized he’s gone. There and then I started altering the family.”
Sibley died within minutes and soon after relatives and spectators gathered at the scene in disbelief as the body removed. According to Hutchinson, the teen’s two friends, who witnessed is death, were traumatized.
“I know he was with two other friends but it seemed that they got so shaken up. One of them was in that yard and he was beating himself up and after that he took on another bicycle with another friend of his.”
As for the driver, twenty-seven year old Kenroy Jex, he tried to assist, but Sibley was too badly injured.
Michael Hutchinson
“The driver, I could see that he was really shaken up and he did his best to render aid in trying to see if the guy was moving. He was, I would say, speechless. When I asked if he’s the driver to make sure, he said yes I am the driver. So he did stop and he did try his best but it was a—the guy received head injuries and that really took his life.”
Jex was taken into police custody after the scene was processed. Delahnie Bain for News Five.
Tragic:(
Very sad.
drivers especially on the highway should always take caution while passing through populated areas. i can’t say what really went on but it is clear to me that this driver was speeding. i know dale and he wouldn’t just cut across the road just like that. a driver will say anything to try and get away from an accident especially if there is a death involved. knowing the police this guy will get away and no charges will be brought upon him. all i want is justice for my friend!
if the student had the fault i think that the driver should not be charged fully, things like these always happen but the drivers get the blame, it’s really sad that this young guy died for a fault of an ipod. ( listening ) you can be a good driver but a sudden stop for someone is really hard to do and every driver knows what i’m talking about. but it’s a pity he’s dead and the driver in trouble now. a future professional has died since we never know what this young man was capable of. my condolence to the grieving family and a warning to young riders always be on the look out for vehicles, take care of yourselves, ride carefully you have a future ahead don’t cut it short we need you young people.
Belizeans need to be educated more on how to assist people in situations like these. A lot of times, they stand over critically hurt victims and watch them take their last breath when at times a simple act CPR or First- Aid could’ve helped.Really sad and my heart and prayers goes out to the family of this young and vibrant teen.
Jaime Rodriguez, HELLO! did you miss the part that said Dale had on his ipod and was probably distracted and crossed sudden? I still cant see how u reached the conclusion that the driver was speeding.
Ceecee, I second the importance to be trained in CPR.
My condolences to Dale’s family but if Dale was at fault, its not fair that the driver be punished.
Phones and technological gadgets are really keeping people distracted on the roads. Cyclists should always look back several times to make sure the road is clear before crossing.
Let this be a lesson to those who are addicted to such gadgets. THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
Very sad, young people need to understand headphones and riding bycycle don’t go togheter.
Sorry for the driver, most of the time they get the blame when actaully the other party is to blame.
wow
MY EXPERIENCE IN DRIVING IS THAT THE DRIVER SHOULD HEED WHEN PASSING A CYCLIST. THE CYCLIST SHOULD BE GIVEN THE SAME AMOUNT OF SPACE THAT YOU GIVE ANOTHER VEHICLE…WHICH IS ONE CAR LENGTH. HEADPHONE OR NOT THE DRIVER SHOULD HAVE SLOW DOWN OR TAKE MORE CAUTION WHEN APPROACHING A CYCLIST AS A CYCLIST COULD SLIP AND FALL TOWARDS THE VEHICLE YOU ARE DRIVING.
There is no proof that Dale was wearing his IPOd or that the driver was speeding. Yes one should look before crossing the street however, the driver should have taken more precaution. If and when you are driving and you see a cyclist or a pedestrian it is your duty to slow down. Cyclist and pedestrians have the right of way at any time. This is tragic, Dale is gone and may this be a lesson to other drivers out there.
so sad, but atleast the driver was concerned…I applaud the driver for accepting his wrong…
condolences to the family..
R.I.P.
I agree with you Big Al! Headphones or not, drivers should take heed when they see cyclists or pedestrians especially in populated areas. As a matter of fact this area is no stranger to tragic accidents likes these. Its good the driver owns up to his wrong but a precious young life has lost and this should not go like this, the family should get some justice or compensation. Condolences to the family……young Dale deserve it. Headphones or not….poor excuse because the cars, vehicles come with horns.
Jah Bless, peace and nuff luv
So sad but a person on a bike is the same as a person walking the motorist needs to yields to bicyclist and pedestrians charge wreckless .
Rip dale sibley gone but not forgotten my condolence goes out to di williams an sibley family
I agree with Jah Child, drivers are supposed to SLOW down when passing a cyclist. Common sense tells us to! The skid marks on the road show the driver didnt slow down. If he had then maybe Dale would be here today.
RIP DALE UR GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN….MY PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO MY FAMILY IN LADYVILLE…
RIP DALE.UR GONE BUT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN….MY PRAYES AND CONDOLENCES TO MY FAMILY IN LADYVILLE……MAY GOD BE WITH HIS FAMILY AND HIM.(that da mi couzin de)tragic!!!!!!!!