BHB Confirm Death Of Donald Tucker
[Updated] The Bermuda Hospitals Board confirmed the death of 41-year-old EMT Donald Tucker, whose body was found this morning in the waters off Coopers Island.
A hospital spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Hospitals Board is shocked and saddened by the sudden and unexpected death of EMT-1, Donald Tucker.
“Mr. Tucker was respected and admired by his co-workers, as well as by his patients and was deeply committed to providing outstanding pre-hospital medical care to this community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Tucker’s family, as we offer our sincere condolences to them at this difficult time.
Dr. Ed Schultz, Director of Emergency Services at KEMH said: “Mr. Tucker was one of the most professional, caring, and positive healthcare providers that I have ever worked with.
“He was always a true gentleman who put his patients first, was a real “team player”, and worked tirelessly to increase his EMT knowledge and skills for the benefit of this community.
“Mr. Tucker was loved by absolutely everyone in the Emergency Department- patients and staff alike. His tragic and untimely death is a monumental loss for the EMT/Ambulance Service at KEMH as well as his family.
“It is almost incomprehensible to think of the service going forward without Mr. Tucker’s incredible smile, gentle nature, and soft spoken words of encouragement for both patients and co-workers. He will be deeply missed by all.”
Mr Tucker was reported as missing at sea last night, and his body was recovered at approximately 10am this morning. At around 7pm last night [Mar.18] police received the report, and said that it appeared that two men were out fishing earlier in the Cooper’s Island, St. George’s area, and one did not return.
While one man returned to shore safely around 6:30pm, Mr Tucker was unaccounted for. The Marine Police started searching the area that night and continued this morning, while Bermuda Radio personnel issued broadcasts asking mariners to assist in the search.
Marine Police boats began the search again this morning, and were seen at the tip of Coopers Island just past 10am, while people also gathered on land. The two police boats then moved to the Police Dock in St David’s.
This is the fourth tragedy of this nature in the East End in recent weeks. On January 8th 2012, 57-year-old Michael Wilkinson — who lived on a boat in the St. George’s – was found floating in the waters by the Swing Bridge, in St. George’s. Later that month, 59-year-old Clifton “Kiki” Williams and 58-year-old Mikal “Snags” Williams died after their fishing boat struck a reef off St. David’s Battery.
It is also the second tragedy of this nature for Mr Tucker’s family in recent years, following the death of his brother-in-law Stephen Harrison who drowned in 2009 while rescuing his nine-year-old son from a strong ocean current in Costa Rica.
Update 5.37pm: The police statement is below:
The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 41 year old Donald Tucker of Pembroke. Around 7:10pm on Sunday, March 18th police received a report of a man missing at sea.
It appears that two men were out fishing earlier that day in the Cooper’s Island, St. George’s area. One of the men returned to shore safely around 6:30pm; however the other, 41 year old Donald Tucker, was unaccounted for.
As a result, officers from the Marine Police Unit searched the Cooper’s Island area waters for Mr. Tucker and the Maritime Operations Centre appealed for any vessels in the area to assist in locating him.
This morning (Monday, March 19th) Marine Police resumed their search for 41 year old Donald Tucker. Tragically, Mr. Tucker’s lifeless body was recovered from waters in the vicinity of Cooper’s Island and Nonsuch Island around 10:30am Monday, March 19th. An autopsy to determine the cause of death is anticipated in due course.
Inquiries are ongoing and a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to assist Mr. Tucker’s family during this difficult time. Anyone who may have seen Mr. Tucker on Sunday, March 18th is encouraged to contact Sergeant Terrance Smith at Southside Police Station on 293-2222 or Sergeant Edward Peach at the Marine Police Unit on 295-0011. The Bermuda Police Service extends condolences to the family & friends of Mr. Tucker.
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Gosh how, why gosh my head hurts knowing now it was you Donald. Condolences to his family and friends. Donald was a very nice guy and I am gald to have know him. Praying for you all at such a hard time. geeee
What a tragic loss. My condolences to the family. Donald was such a great guy – he’ll truly be missed. RIP friend.
Donald, the whole EMS Community is simply in shock right now. You taught me so much of what I know about always remaining compassionate in the face of adversity. I can’t imagine doing my clinical hours without you this year man!! – you leave huge shoes to fill. Who else will brave the caf food with me after it’s been sitting out for ages?! When I heard it was you, I was in denial at first – then just shocked.. praying that everything would turn out ok.
Can’t believe you’re gone – we are going to miss you so much…
To Donald’s family – if you happen to see this…He was an amazing example of the human spirit. He found a way to bring comfort to many people in their last moments.
As he mentored me, he taught me that I could not take what fate had in store personally, but that I must always remain grounded and rely on my training to do the best I could. He had high expectations of the people he worked with, because he saw more potential in many of us than we saw in ourselves.
As a student, and later as a colleague,I saw him get a smile out of MANY a person racked with pain and fear. He had a way about him that comforted distressed family members whilst remaining alwaysprofessional and focused.
He was deeply admired – and teased by us all, as he was GLUED to his (latest) iphone.
I could always rely on him for a phone charger, change for a snack, and joke about whatever was the topic of the day.
What can I say? Only the good die young
He will be missed!!
Just sitting here thinking of all the funny convos we had wow gosh still is shock.
So True Lovell. Donald was a great awesome guy. I have known him myself for 20+ years and he always made me laugh or smile. He is very compassionate and did love his job and the people he helped. Always so pleasant and helpful. He loved his bird Tuck, i pray someone takes Tuck under their wing as he will miss Donald.
Donald I can’t believe you are gone from us so soon. I am still numb by this news.
My heart is with his mom and sisters and family. May god be with you.
I had the opportunity to meet Donald recently when transporting a patient for emergency care. The moment I figured out who he was my heart sank, as he was caring, kind, and gentle. My condolences to his family and coworkers as he will be missed.
OMG. Rest in Peace Cuzzin…you will be missed…
God bless our family…
Such a sad day. My thoughts and prayers to all of Donalds family both blood and at work. The hole left is way too enormous to be filled.
RIP my friend and colleague.
I did not know Mr. Tucker, but by the comments by all, I am sure he will be a big miss. To his family: So very sorry about his untimely death. May God Bless you all.
How could this happen to a guy like Donald? What really happened? To the staff at the KEMH Emergency Department, this is a great loss to your department. May you all continue on your upcoming days in at least one of the foot prints that reminds you of what a great person Donald was in your department. Many times I visited the hospital as a patient and a visitor I would look for Donald standing outside and if I didnt see him I would look for his bike, the Black Beverly! He knew how to make you smile and laugh when the going for you was not going the way it should have been going.
One day while off duty, I saw Donald and we were talking. A car drove by and the driver of the car kept on looking back at us, so I, in a loud mad voice said to the drive, “CAN I HELP YOU”? Donald as funny as he was started laughing and could not stop. Why did I do that infront of Donald? From that day on whenever I saw Donald the first thing he would say, “YES,CAN I HELP YOU?” He made me smoke with that whenever he saw me.
To his family my condolences go out to you and may the many memories of Donald be belssed in your hearts.
God knows how, and why!
Prayers for both family and friends. He will truly be missed!
No Buh!! Not Donald!! :’(
This gentleman was a first responder when my husband took ill and had to be transported to KEMH. He was kind, patient and very professional. He saw I was a wreck and reassured me that all will be okd beacuse of his immediate attention to my husband, it was. BHB has lost a most excellent colleague and to his family, you are in my prayers.
We worked a lot together in our respective fields and I also know his family. My heart is aching right now. He was such a sweet, positive and lovable person. The good REALLY do leave us too soon. Blessings to his family at this time. I know how hard it is to lose someone. Especially a child.
RIP Donald. Everything the hospital has said about him is so true. He was wonderful caring individual that would go out of his way to help anyone. He will be missed.
Gone too soon Donald.
Thank you Bernews for only allowing positive remarks about Donald. The RG had to shut down their comment section for the evil and negative responses that they were getting. Donald was a wonderful person who will be missed by many people.
I agree with you. Donald was an awesome individual whould give his last to someone! He will be missed dearly.
What on earth could they say about Donald that wasn’t positive?! He was such a great guy and will definitely be missed!
I’m am 98% that Donald Tucker was the EMT on call when I broke my shoulder in my first motorcycle accident at the age of 16. The fact that every single comment on this website backs up his good nature means it probably was him.
To have a such obviously caring person help you at your most frightening moment was a godsend (and I am not a religious man). A true gentleman, he even made me laugh as they strapped me to the back board and neck brace.
My thoughts go to his family and friends. A man such as Donald will be missed by many on our little island.
R.I.P Donald. I will miss your big smile and our many conversation. To the family Donald was a wonderful person, may the good lord continue to shade comfort around all of you.
Why do the good die so young? We asked this question over & over again. It baffles me. My sincere condolences go out to all his family & friends. So sad.
THIS IS A SAID DAY FOR MANY DONALD HAS TOUCHED MANY PP AS SIT TO TO WRITE THIS THE TEARS ARE JUST ROLLING DOWN MY FACE CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..
RIP MY FRD
A very very sad day! Donald has touched so many people. He’s one of the most geniune people I have ever known. You will be missed Donald.
Condolences to the family and close friends and coworkers.
Great Bloke !! Made many of us, who were new to the Island and Department feel very welcome..always good for a laugh and the odd misleading (rogue drunkered!! ) phone call @ 3am ::) You’ll be missed mate.. God bless ya…
This is an awful shock to the BHB family…Donald, you had so much to give and you gave it 100% and more when at work. your smile was so reassuring to many and your gentle nature a true definition of what it takes to handle the most difficult situations. Much prayer to understand all this and much prayer to comfort your family at this tragic time….
To the family and EMT Fraternity of KEMH,
I just want you all to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I too am in disbelief of Donalds passing and have very good memories of our friendship. He will be missed greatly!!!!! Stay strong and lean on each other for support as you have done not so long ago, you will get through this with God’s help, he will be right by your side. Donald, I will miss your smile and always asking me,”How are the girls, hang in there Selena”. I never told you that I didn’t make the apple crumble, I brought it from the then, Bermuda Bakery
Rest In Peace Donald.
Love Selena & The Girls
Prayers and condolences to Donald’s family and BHB and its staff. Donald will surely be a miss. I cant even sit here and type tonight. Really this is like a bad dream nightmare to me!! WAKE ME UP!!!!! I have to be dreaming!!! I saw u on fri Donald! U gave me a hug and smile of cause! Always asking about and helping my daughter when she went to the hospital keeping her calm whislt she was most upset and in pain. She always asked for Donald even if she was not his patient he would come in to her as soon as he was able, and do his magic! I always thanked him for that, he showed he cared bout what he was doing! He always had good positive vibes and things to say. smh gone too soon. R.I.P. my boy Donald…..
To my Emergency workmates and the Tucker family. Donald was a pleasure to work with and we will miss him .My deepest sympathy to his mom ,siblings and his entire family. Allow the good times with Donald ; his pleasant smile and wonderful personality , keep us strong. May our God be with us all .
Gone too soon Donald . I will miss those neck massages (smile)
God Bless all of you
R.I.P Donald
Sending my condolences to Donald Tuckers family and the emergency staff at the hospital . Very sorry and sad to hear what happened to Donald .
I cannot believe it
And may God bless and be with you all
From Sandra and Family
I am going to miss talking to Donald on the many calls we work at together. Donald was a great guy with a huge heart and a big smile to match. I was taken back by the news, he was a good friend. I want to give my condolences to his family. God be with you all.
Manfred jr
YO DONALD YOU ARE THE MAN YOU WERE AND ALWAYS WILL BE A SPECIAL FRIEND TO ALL WHO KNEW YOU ALSO I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN 2010 WHEN I WAS IN NEED AND YOU KEPT ME COMFORTABLE TILL WE ARRIVED AT THE HOSPITAL YOU ARE LIKE THE CANDLE IN THE WIND THAT WILL NEVER GO OUT ALTHOUGH YOU HAVE LEFT US YOUR CANDLE WILL NEVER BE EXTINGUISHED SO MY FRIEND THANK YOU AND R.I.P MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND THE EMT FAMILY AS WELL MAY GOD BLESS YOU
Yes he was the man! A good person. He will be missed tremdously. Love you Donald. I know you are smiling down at us all with that touching smile. A word to describe Donald – AWESOME.
Donald was such a beautiful person inside and out. I am going to miss him so much:(. My deepest sympathy to his family.
To the Tucker family and the Emergency Department family,
Sending my prayers and condolences to all of you. Donald was real sunshine as he was always smiling and very pleasant. DT you are going to be a big miss especially in the morning when I arrived for work as you could always get a smile out of me no matter what. Gone too soon. Rest In Peace DT…
i don’t know what to say in a time like this, words have gone,thoughts are astray,memories are both welcome and hurting,
As an EMT you are concerned about saving lives and in the moment your own mortality is far from your mind when helping others.People echo the same words over and over “At least he went doing something he loved”,i know that to be true,Donald you are my best friend you referred to me as your brother and i the same, some say we looked alike,(i being more handsome of course):-)….i never got to really tell you how much your friendship meant to me and as being a guy and all the bravado stuff that gets in the way of two friends telling each other how dear that person is to them we say stuff like “That’s my boy ,but we knew what we meant deep down.
I remember Donald and i always competing about who had the best cell phone..he called his iPhone 4 “A multi media powerhouse” i always told him “who is gonna take his phone seriously if it’s named after a piece of fruit”.
About 3 weeks ago we fished down Ferry Reach Donald brought with him his famous lobster legs, i knew what that meant…hog fish,i told him if one is in the area it will come and when it does it’ll take it BUT let it run the first time and when it drops it and then takes it again then you set the hook,i told him so what did Donald do…pull on the line as soon as the fish hit his bait and lost it and it was a big boy too.He lost a lot of big ones like that,and i always teased him ,i said “Just like people go to the park to feed the birds well you go to the water to feed the fish cause you never catch anything”. He also had this fishing line he ordered (i think he got it from EBay, that’s another story),but either way, the fishing line was camouflaged..yeah camouflaged,i told him his line was so camouflaged the fish couldn’t see his bait either.
i could go on and on ,but i could be here all day doing this, one thing though it feels good to at least smile again,even though your not telling me to, you still found a way to to make me smile and i can hear you still saying to me “lift ya head brah”
You told me stuff i don’t think anyone else knew,…you called me for girl advice one time before and i was saying to myself “Aren’t you the expert on females”,that was funny i probably wasn’t any help cause i was partial to my boy so all objectivity was out the door.
A lot of people don’t know that i was around even before Craig passed and i think what drew Donald to me was some said i looked like Craig and to be honest when i saw a button of Craig i did have to admit “yeah i do a little”, that was …lets say before a couple of pounds snuck up on me,
i have to mention Harry cause he too was close,more to Donald than i but we all hung out and had plans to have a reggae sound,
One night Geoffrey saw his brother and i out and Donald had a few too many, we,he helped me put Donald in the car and made sure he got home safe.as i write this i realize we went waaayyyy back and I’d be a liar if i said i cherished every moment with Donald or how i didn’t take the time spent with him for granted,it was just that we were supposed to be friends forever hanging out ,fishing going on trips you know regular stuff.I never thought it would be like this not at all…..what do we all do now, i guess this was the best way, YOU CAME AND MADE US SMILE AND LAUGH ,YOU COMFORTED US AND THEN YOU LEFT US LIKE THE CLASS ACT YOU ARE YOU LEFT US WANTING MORE!
@”Bream Boy”
This is so true. He left us all on such a good note – it’s bittersweet in that way.
Donald! I saw someone today wearing a hat just like yours from the last time we all hung out! It brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face as I remembered teasing you for looking like an old man in that hat – to which you responded, “girl, I’m just a classic!”
You’ll be missed man
!