Police Confirm: U.S. Tourist Dies After Accident
[Updated - Police confirm that Dr Alexander Doty has died from his injuries] A 58-year-old American tourist remains in critical condition in the ICU after sustaining serious head injuries after being struck by a motorcyclist on Wednesday night [Aug 1] while walking on Pitts Bay Road.
Just after 11pm on Wednesday police attended the area of Pitts Bay Road and Roxdene Lane in Pembroke, where the victim was found critically injured. He was rushed to hospital, and a 27-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of driving whilst impaired in connection with the incident.
Police have asked for any witnesses to this collision, especially anyone who may have seen the victim [a white male balding, with light colored clothing approximately 5’8-5’10 of solid/stocky build] walking along Pitts Bay Road between 10:45pm and 11:10pm on August 1st to contact Police on 295-0011 or the confidential Crimestoppers hotline on 800-8477.
Update 6.30pm: A police spokesperson confirmed that the victim passed away today. He has been identified as 58-year-old Dr. Alexander Michael Doty, a college professor from Indiana. He is pictured to the left in a photo courtesy of Indiana University.
The full police statement is below.
Police can now confirm the death of 58 year old Alexander Michael Doty of Indiana who died as a result of injuries received in a collision that took place at approximately 11:10pm on Wednesday in area of Pitts Bay Rd & Roxdene Lane, in Pembroke.
It appears that Mr. Doty was walking on Pitts Bay Road when he was hit by a 27-year old man traveling on a motorcycle.
Police are asking for any witnesses to this collision, especially anyone who may have seen the victim (a white male balding, with light colored clothing approximately 5’8-5’10 of solid/stocky build) walking along Pitts Bay Road between 10:45pm and 11:10pm.
Please contact PC Walter Jackson of the Roads Policing Unit on 295-0011 or the confidential crime stoppers hotline on 800-8477.
The Bermuda Police Service extends our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased.
Update Aug 6: Dr Doty’s friends have launched a group on Facebook, where they said he had only been in Bermuda for 3 hours when he was struck by the motorcycle.
They also said that Dr Doty’s sisters have a “great deal of confidence in the care that Alex received” and have also been “treated very well” by the local authorities who have arranged a liaison to help them with all of the legal details.
The full description from the group is below:
While visiting Bermuda for a quick “end of summer” vacation (very Alex), Alex was walking back to his hotel after attending a concert when he was hit by a motorcyclist. Alex’s sisters and brother joined him in ICU at King Edward’s Hospital in the capital.
Alex’s brain injuries were too severe, with massive bleeding leading to brain death. The doctors informed the family that there was no possibility for recovery. Following the recommendations of the doctors there, Alex will be taken off the ventilator today (August 4th).
“He is already gone,” Alex’s sister said. Alex’s family is making arrangements to take him back to Texas when possible. When we know more about the arrangements, we will post that information here (please share it with anyone you think Alex would want you to tell).
Alex’s sister did say that the doctor who cared for Alex (a Swedish physician, apparently) was very good, and very kind; Alex’s sisters have a great deal of confidence in the care that Alex received.
They have also been treated very well by the local authorities who have arranged a liaison to help them with all of the legal, etc. details.
The only other thing I have to tell you is that the team at the hospital said that Alex was not, and had not been, in any pain. Alex had only been in Bermuda for about 3 hours when the accident occurred. Apparently, he checked into the hotel, went off to a concert, and was walking back to his room when he was hit.
We love Alex, as do each of you. Please keep Alex and each other in your hearts and share a favorite story about Alex when you have a chance.
Update 1.58pm: A man was just charged in Magistrates Court in connection with the death of Dr. Doty. Details here.
Update 2.15pm: Indiana University released a statement saying they are “deeply saddened today over the death of Alexander Doty, a prominent scholar, professor and chair of the Department of Communication and Culture in the College of Arts and Sciences at IU Bloomington.” You can read it in full here.
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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News
Prayers for him to make a speedy recovery.
That worked.
WE IN BERMUDA ARE PRAYING FOR HIM GOD BE WITH HIM!!
So dreadfully sad. My sincere condolences to his family. This sort of thing should never happen.
Do we have a vehicular homicide law?
If we don’t, we should. And if it was a hit and run (in addition to dui and reckless driving), the rider shold be put away for life.
What an awful shock to this poor man’s family and what a terribly sad story. RIP Mr Doty
For some reason some Bermudians are drunk or on drugs, that is why our crime rate is so high… this Mr, Doty is out walking and is now dead !!!!!!!!! because of a guy who drank to much….I wonder how this guy feels now ? In my opinion he is a murderer… and should face life in prison.
I guess if he gets the right magistrate..he will face a very light sentence or a fine .
If a person accidently kills someone the charge should be manslaughter.
My condolences to the family of the poor man.
I believe the charge that should/will be brought will be manslaughter. Murder 2 in US books.
MY PRAYS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY GOD BLESS YOU FROM BERMUDA!!!!!!
I hope that the gentleman who hit him, serves the max time, for being so stupid, this should not have happened.
–> To Mr. Doty’s family, I am sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May he R.I.P.
Heartbreaking. My prayers are with his family and friends. So tragic.
Vehicular homicide? Why ask now? Little girl tyeisha cox, and the accident by swizzle inn that killed one and seriously injured another, did not bring this question! Smh! I guess it takes a tourist! Nevertheless, my condolences.
You have a bad memory. The driver in that case stood trial. She was sober, and the circumstances were different, though equally tragic.
People are becoming more health conscious, thus there are many folks taking to the roadways walking for health. Motorists need to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
Since there are really no sidewalks or walking trails (Railway Trail excepted), there is no place else to walk except along the road. There is no need for speed on this little island. I’m used to driving at 70+ mph to and from work in the US, but I know I can’t do that here. Further with all these full sized cars and SUV’s that have been allowed here that have to drive over the yellow line due to their size, driver awareness must be stressed. Don’t let me get started on the kids riding bikes..Now we have Mr. Doty out for an evening stroll and he is struck down, so very sad indeed. Slow down people, you speed like hell you’re going to get there.
May he rest in peace. condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
The family of the young rider involved in this tragic accident would truly like to extend their condolences and sympathy to the family of Dr. Doty. They are beyond sorry and are sincerely pained by this misfortune. The anger that the family of Mr. Doty must feel is warranted and expected. They hope this situation never happens to anyone else but unfortunately that’s not to be the case in this present world. Just to shed some light on the young man, who I’ve known for many years, I’d like to say that he is internally and eternally shaken, broken and extremely sorry for the misfortunate event. He is the type of kid that does not do drugs, goes to church, just graduated from university, is extremely respectful and was just about to chart his own journey in life. Never been in trouble, always helpful, shy and in no way reckless like many of these drug induced and speed fueled youth we see everyday. It’s a huge shock to anyone who knows him and and an even bigger shock to himself. He knows that a million sorrys cannot undo that unfortunate moment in time and he will forever be tormented by that evening’s event. Many of you, who have never been on either side of tragedy, will not be able to relate and will continue with acrid comments and I do not begrudge you the umbrage, but do know this that the young man, his family and friends are extremely sorry for the accident and can not apologize enough to the family of Mr. Doty. They are beyond sorry and can only wish that this tragedy could be undone. It is normal to be judge and jury of such avoidable actions and pass down a heated conviction but I thought I’d write in to let you know that this is not the normal character of this young man and it truly was an unintended situation that can happen to almost anyone who rides or drives on Bermuda’s roads – sober or drunk. All we can do is continually warn people to take it easy, slow down and do not drive/ride under the influence of any sort. Again, the family and the young man extend their deepest sympathies and condolences to Mr. Doty’s family and apologize for such an unBermudian action.
to Beyond Sorry — it is prudent that you should submit this information about the young man involved. Although he is guilty of the tragic death of Dr Doly, it is fitting that we learn of his generally fine character. No court of law, or public opinion will be as devastating for him as the memory and guilt he has to live with for the rest of his life. While my sincere sympathy goes out to Dr Doly’s family and friends, I must say that my thoughts are also with the young man and his family. I pray that they all find peace.
Harsh life lesson learnt. Now be a man and except the consequences of a manslaughter charge while DUI.
Look frigg off and get a life ok things happen in life sometimes that you may regret we said we are sorry and he is also and if he can do anything in his power to make things better he would but he cant. People act like it was done intentionally, its fate things happen that we do not have control over. So you be a man or a women and worry about ya own life.
Bermudians drink dont act like you aint did it before evan if it was (1)drink ya still drinkin n driving !!
No shortage of thoughtless behavior. We’ve all done stupid, some are extremely lucky and amazingly make it home without incident, others get arrested at traffic stops, and a minority manage to kill someone. Yes kill someone.
This incident should have never happened. The man was on island for less than 3 hours….makes you ask why….how is life fair….culprit survives whilst the victim dies. It could easily happen to so many drunks, inebriated everyday bermudians driving/riding into stone walls, light posts, trees, and now sadly, pedestrians being run over and killed by drunks on wheels. No excuses, you were not fit to drive mate. Some drunks are amazinly lucky and get home without incident. Others are pulled over by the cops and thankfully avoid a possible disaster. Then there are others who go on to kill, yes kill an innocent tourist out for an evening stroll….sorry but no excuses for you M8
I send my prayers and condolences to Dr. Doty’s family and friends. There are probably no words that will take away the pain right now, I pray for the day that you can reflect on your loved one with laughs and smiles. This is quite an unfortunate event and I hope that his legacy shines on.
@ Beyond Sorry, drinking is such a rampant part of our culture especially during holidays and celebrations. This is ok if done responsibly. Consider ways that family and friends can work to make sure things like this do not happen on island again. We need respectable persons to get other respectable persons(young and old) to understand that drinking and driving has consequences and we need to stop the behaviors before other familes experience tragedies like these. I’m sure this young man was not drinking alone, taking keys away and calling taxis needs to be part of the norm.
Was hoping for a better outcome when I heard of this incident. Prayed for him to pull through.
Prayers and thoughs for Mr Doty’s family and friends at such a hard time.
Thoughts also with this young man as well.
Having walked that very route to the concert at Barr’s Bay a mere two hours before hand I can note the street lighting was poor at best along those two corners just before Old Slip Lane and only 20 yards or so of sidewalk to walk along. Obviously the conditions were dangerous to begin with but add a drunk driver into the mix and it turns out to be disastrous. There is obviously no premeditated intent from the driver to cause harm and his decision making was very poor and life altering and he should be dealt with to the full extent of the law. I believe the only solution would be that no blood alcohol level is acceptable to drive and should be banned. This will hopefully stop the individuals who think ‘yes i have been drinking but am I really over the limit?’ Obviously the alcohol has impaired them somewhat. Of course they may be over, however they may not be, but they really have no clue if they are 0.08 0.079 or 0.20. But someone who is 0.081 might think they are 0.079 and so its safe to drive and low and behold they are being breathalyzed by the cops after an accident. Because very very rarely is someone breathalyzed before the accident. Ban any limit and there is no questions. Also reliable street lighting will make it safer for the walker and driver as well!!!
This situation is beyond unfortunate. It saddens me to hear such news. My heart goes out to Dr. Doty’s family. My heart also goes out to the rider, as I know him personally. I hope that this incident, like many others, is a loud wake up call to ALL Bermudians, young and old! People get DUI’s ALL the time in Bermuda, only thing is with them, they luckily didn’t hit someone. This situation could have happend to a number of Bermudians. The sad reality is that drinking is a huge part of the Bermudian culture, and unfortunately, there are many Bermudians that drink and ride under the influence. I hope that everyone really takes a step back and thinks about this situation. This one day could be you! Please drive safe Bermuda! Again, RIP Dr. Doty. And to the rider, I love you. Head up! I’m sorry that you were involved in such a tragic incident, but the sad truth is now you have to suffer the consequences. Thinking about you all!
There are two huge losers in this tragedy, the family of Mr Doty & the young man who struck him.
If the character assesment of the ypoung man, as given by Beyond Sorry, is true, this man will be paying for his moment of irresponsibilty for the rest of his life. Not only will he pay his debt to society in the form of jail time but he will also be liable to civil action to the family of Mr Doty which could easily total up to the hundreds of thousands for the family’s loss.
Something for everyone to think about before going out drinking.
Is there a possibility that the victim was drunk and possibly walking in the road?
Was the suspect speeding?
I think everything should be considered before we (the public) determine his fate. I hope the police do all they can to gather all details.
My heart goes out to the victim’s family and University Family –
U ppl r a**who**s how do u all kno mr. Doty wasn’t drunk and walked in the middle of the road!???? shake my head stupid closed minded bermudians should keep there mouths closed until they know what really happend.
My sincere condolences go out to the family and friends of mr.doty, REST IN PEACE