38-Year-Old Taiwan Smith Dies After Collision

April 12, 2016

[Updated: Police confirm the death of 38-year-old Taiwan Smith of Pembroke Parish following a collision in Flatts]

As of 1.00am on April 11th, Police — both land and marine — are searching the Flatts area following a collision in which the motorcyclist was “catapulted in the air”, with the police saying they “believe he landed in the waters.”

“Police are appealing for anyone who may have seen this collision, or anyone who may have information to contact the police,” added Mr Caines. “Anyone who can help us with identification of this individual is asking to contact us on 295-0011.”

Audio of Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines at 1.30am on April 11th:

Update 1.38am: Mr Caines said that Marine police as well as private vessels are in the area conducting searches, and Chief Inspector Tracey Adams is co-coordinating all the efforts.

“The motoring public should be advised that traffic is being diverted in the area, and we are asking for the public’s patience as we conduct this search,” he added.

Update 2.18am: The search remains underway, however the police have now identified the rider as a 39-year-old Pembroke man.

A police statement, “At 12:13am, police and first responders received a report of a single vehicle road traffic collision that took place on North Shore Road in Smiths involving a 39-year-old Pembroke man on a motorcycle.

“Details are sketchy at this stage but it appears that the cycle struck the Flatts Bridge and the rider may have been catapulted into the water.

“Presently, officers from Marine Section as well as private vessels have commenced a search in the area and the relevant officers from the BPS are processing the scene.

“All traffic is being diverted away from the incident and we are asking for area residents’ patience as this matter unfolds.”

Update 3.30am: The road has been cleared and traffic flow has resumed through the area.

Update 7.50am: The police said the man is “still missing and the search will continue.”

Update 8.55am: We are expecting to receive an update from the police this morning, and will update as able.

Update 10.12am: Police Media Manager Dwayne Caines said, “After an exhaustive search by Marine Police and other private vessels, a man’s body was seen to be floating in the waters just east of the Aquarium. The man’s lifeless body was then put on a vessel and taken to the dock where he was formally pronounced dead at 9.25am. . No further information will be given until next of kin has been notified.”

Audio statement from Mr Caines at 10.15am on April 11th:

Update 10.24am: In the audio above, Mr Caines said, “At approximately 12.13am on Monday morning, police and other first responders attended a report of an incident; that incident took place on North Shore Road in Smiths, that is in the area of Flatts Bridge.

“Details are still coming in at this point, but we believe that a 39-year-old male was traveling in the area when he lost control of his cycle.

“That cycle [rider] subsequently was catapulted in the air at Flatts Bridge and he landed in the water. An exhaustive search ensued, officers from the marine section as well as private vessels.

“This went on until about 3.00am, they were stood down and they came back at first light. They noticed what appeared to be a body in the water and the body was formally identified as the 39-year-old man at 9.25am.

“No further information will be given until the next of kin has been fully notified.”

Update 11.45am: Police have amended the age to 38, and a written statement said, “Around 12:13am this morning [11-Apr], police and other first responders attended a report of an incident that took place on North Shore Road in Smith’s, in the area of Flatts Bridge.

“Details are still limited, however it is believed that a 38-year-old man was traveling on a motorcycle in the area, when he was involved in a collision and thrown from the cycle causing him to go over Flatts Bridge and land in the water. Originally, the individual involved was said to be 39 years of age.

“An exhaustive search ensued, involving officers from the Marine Section as well as private vessels. Shortly after 8:00am this morning police came upon a male’s lifeless body in the water just off of the Aquarium.

“As a result the body was taken on board a vessel and transported to a dock where it was formally identified as a 38 year-old Pembroke man and an on call physician pronounced the man dead at 9:25am.

“No further information will be given until next of kin have been fully notified. Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.”

Update April 12, 11.22am: A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 38 year-old Taiwan Smith of Pembroke Parish.

“Shortly after midnight on Monday 11-April, Mr. Smith was traveling on a motorcycle in the area of Flatts Bridge Smiths Parish, when he was involved in a collision and thrown from the cycle causing him to go over Flatts Bridge and land in the water.

“Marine police along with several private vessels carried out an extensive search in the waters surrounding the Flatts Bridge area, which eventually led to the recovery of Mr. Smith’s body.

“Police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this collision or anyone who may have information on the movements of Taiwan Smith prior to the collision, to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.

“The Bermuda Police Service wishes to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Taiwan Smith.”

The photos below are from the initial report at 1.00/2.00am: