Police Name Road Victim: 25-Yr-Old Torrie Baker

January 20, 2013

torrieThe police have named the young man who was killed in a cycle accident yesterday morning [Jan 19] as 25-year-old Torrie Baker of St. George’s.

A police spokesperson said: “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 25 year old Torrie Baker of St. George’s.

“Mr. Baker was seriously injured in a single vehicle rental cycle collision around 2:05am Saturday, January 19th on Mullet Bay Road in St. George’s.

“Mr. Baker was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance where he was pronounced dead by an on call doctor at 3am Saturday.

“A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to Mr. Baker’s family to assist them at this tragic time.”

Starting from early yesterday morning, tributes began to pour out on social media for the 25-year-old aspiring singer and songwriter, with dozens of people expressing shock and grief.

The island’s entertainment community has noted the passing of one of their own, with the Chewstick Foundation tweeting they know Mr Baker will be “singing in heaven,” and reggae singer Collie Buddz extending his condolences to Mr Baker’s family, saying his thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mr Baker had maintained an active presence on various online sites, with his posts showing his love of music and hopes and aspirations.

His social media posts indicated he was a positive young man, often taking the time to respond to online commentators who complimented his music, with his thanks sometimes accompanied by “God Bless.”

His SoundCloud page said: “The creativity in my head is melodies and lyrics that come out of my mouth!” Another online music profile noted he has been singing since he was 4, writing since he was 13, and he “never forgets the one who gave him his talents – God.”

He performed at various events locally, and had released a number of songs over the years, with some receiving airplay on the local radio stations. One of the songs he released had an anti-violence theme, entitled “Put the guns down”.

“We have got to put a stop to this,” he sang. “Put the guns down, we need unity, just chillout. We have to put a stop to this, too much trouble in Bermuda.”

The police said the investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing and witnesses or anyone with any information should contact PC James Eli at the Roads Policing Unit directly on 247-1139.

A police spokesperson said: “Specifically, PC Eli would like to speak with anyone who may have been at the scene or travelling through the area around the time of this fatal collision, as well as anyone who was with Mr. Baker immediately prior or knew his whereabouts on the evening of Friday, January 18th. The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Baker.”

Mr Baker’s death was the third road fatality of 2013, the death of 31-year-old Haile Matthews on Jan. 18 was the second, and the death of 51-year-old Andrew Peniston on Jan. 6 was the first.

Minister of Tourism Development & Transport Shawn Crockwell extended his condolences, saying it “is truly tragic to lose two young men on our roads within just 24 hours.”

He said the Ministry will continue to advocate for improved safety on the roads through the Road Safety Council, public awareness and programmes like Project Ride; and also noted that Cabinet will be discussing measures to improve safety on our roads.

- Photo via Mr Baker’s social media

Read More About

Category: Accidents and fires, All, News

Comments (25)

Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed

  1. uwillbmissed says:

    I cannot believe this!!! my heart was sadden when I heard it was you! Torrie u wil be missed by MANY!

    To his family, may God be with you at during this time. I love you all…Aunt Lorrie, Chey, Aunt Claudie….love you guys!!!

  2. James says:

    One love homie, you will be missed deeply

  3. mixitup says:

    A true Gentleman he was… Such a loss!

  4. What a shock to go online and get this news. As a mother and grandmother my heart is heavy for these last 2 families. I am in tears as once again we lose our young men to the streets.
    May GOD be with the families

  5. just a librarian says:

    o wow such a shock! you will surely be missed man. condolences to the family.

  6. Everett says:

    So sad! Such a nice person. Condolences to the family and may God continue to bless you all.

  7. sminks says:

    When I fund out it was Torrie my heat ache. Torrie was just like my son. Loving to everyone that knew him. We will miss you just like I miss my son (Shayne Adderley).

  8. Nuffin but de Truth! says:

    This young man was always very polite and friendly to me whenever I saw him.

    Rest your Soul in Peace.

  9. Bullseye says:

    Please slow down on the roads people. We all see it. Girls and boys and adults riding dangerously. If you ride the speed limit like I do then you really witness the risk-taking.

    Peace and love to his family.

    • Ganja mon says:

      Oh shut it will you, he was riding a rental bike…

      • Y.N.W.A. says:

        @Ganja mon- You shut it. You sound like a complete moron.

  10. kevin says:

    Torrie, you may be gone and gone way too soon, but you have impacted many people it was a pleasure to serve with you as a Volunteer Firefighter and your contribution to the community is well noted and appreciated. Mrs Baker our thoughts and prayers are with you, Torrie represented what we all look for in our young men.
    Benevides #815

  11. While going to Somers I found Torrie to be very pleasant, soft spoken and very helpful each time. I will miss his big smile and the many laughs we had. Torrie, gone too soon may you rest in peace my friend.

    To his family you have my sincere condolences and may the good lord
    continue to bless all of you.

  12. Bermuda.Reader says:

    My sincerest condolences to his family. May your happier memories ease your sorrow and pain.

  13. Ray says:

    This is truly sad news, what a nice guy he was, always friendly and polite.

  14. RoseAnne Brown Thomas says:

    Lorrie and family, Torrie was a true gentleman and has left a indelible mark on all of us. His jovial demeanor,his funny sense of humor, and his kind spirit, he will surely be missed, but not forgotten. RoseAnne Brown Thomas, Baltimore, Maryland. – June Brown, Egmont’s, St. George;s, Bermuda

  15. Y.N.W.A. says:

    Rest in peace mate. I couldn’t believe the news when I had heard…..

  16. Sean White says:

    My condolences go out to Torrie’s family for the loss of such a fine young man.
    Like Mrs. Butterfield has already said “He will be a miss at Somers Supermarket”. Always smiling, polite and willing to help you.
    Such a shock.
    May he rest in peace.

  17. Kristin says:

    Have just returned from traveling and am realising the sad news that this wonderful young man has died. He will be such a miss. Condolences to his loved ones.

    Kristin White
    The Book Cellar
    St. George’s