Jahmel Blakeney Dies After Collision
[Updated] The police have confirmed the sad news that 40-year-old Jahmel Blakeney has died following a three vehicle collision in Devonshire.
A police spokesperson said, “Shortly after 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th July, 2022, police received a number of calls reporting a serious road traffic collision, involving a taxi and two motorcycles, at the junction of Middle Road and Lines Estate Road, Devonshire.
“Reports are the bikes were headed east on Middle Road, when they both collided with a taxi which was traveling in the opposite direction.
“The riders of both bikes, two males, were thrown from their vehicles as a result of the collision. Both bikes were written off and the taxi was left with extensive front end damage.
“One of the injured motorcyclists is said to have left the scene on foot. The other, a forty year old, sustained what were described as serious head injuries and was found unresponsive when officers arrived at the scene.
“He was attended to by EMTs and was taken to hospital by ambulance. However, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
“There were reportedly a number of other bikes present when the collision occurred but they left before the arrival of the police.
“Police are asking anyone who may have been present when the collision occurred or, who may have any information about this incident, to please get in contact with them by calling 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.
“The area of the collision remained closed for an extended period while the scene was processed by Traffic Collision Investigators, along with officers from the Forensics Unit.
“This marks the seventh road fatality for 2022. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to assist the relatives of the deceased. The Bermuda Police Service extends its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.”
Update 4.33pm: A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 40-year-old Jahmel Blakeney, Bermuda’s seventh road fatality for 2022, and extends sincere condolences to his family and friends.
“The fatal collision involved a taxi and two motorcyclists, one of whom was Mr. Blakeney, and occurred shortly after 11pm Wednesday, 20th July 2022, at the junction of Middle Road and Lines Estate Road, Devonshire.
“Despite receiving treatment from EMTs at the scene and being rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital via ambulance, Mr. Blakeney later succumbed to the serious injuries he sustained.
“The second motorcyclist, understood to be a 27-year-old Pembroke man, apparently sustained a non-life threatening arm injury. At last check he was receiving hospital treatment.
“The taxi driver involved, said to be a 75-year-old Devonshire man, was not hurt. He was transporting a visiting American couple at the time. The visiting American woman apparently received a cut to her arm, while the visiting American man was apparently unhurt.
“A Family Liaison Officer continues to provide support to Mr. Blakeney’s loved ones and the Roads Policing Unit is investigating the circumstances of this latest deadly crash.
“Any witnesses that have not already come forward, or members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Blakeney in the hours prior to his death, are encouraged to call 247-1788 or 211 as soon as possible.”
Update: Shadow Transport Minister Susan Jackson said, “Collectively, our hearts ache for former MP Glenn Blakeney, his wife Gwen and their family with the loss of their son Jahmel, who sadly lost his life last night in a road accident. We pray they receive all the support they need as they navigate this very difficult time.
“A heartfelt appeal goes to all road users to be extra careful as we approach the height of summer activities. Please use care and caution on our roads and ensure that you arrive safely.”
This, sadly, is the second tragedy for the Blakeney family, as Jahmel Blakeney’s brother Glenn Blakeney Jr passed away at only 45-years-old in 2019.
