In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Fuller family is sharing their painful experience of losing a loved one in a road accident, urging motorists to exercise caution on the nation’s roads, particularly during the holiday season. A stark reminder from an unfamiliar face, the mother of 27-year-old Akeem Fuller struggled to put her emotions into words as she recounted the devastating loss. 

Akeem Fuller, who left home on Christmas Eve with a promise to return soon, tragically lost his life alongside Police Corporal Hampton Russell. According to reports from the St. Ann Police, the driver of an Axio motor car, in which Fuller was a passenger, lost control and collided with a Nissan Lafesta carrying Corporal Russell. Despite the involvement of five individuals in the incident, only Russell and Fuller succumbed to their injuries. Dennis Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Ann’s Bay Hospital, shared that this time of the year is dreaded by hospital staff, given the heightened risks associated with road accidents. The Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Dr. Lucien Jones, expressed condolences to all those who have lost loved ones in road fatalities.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, it is crucial to reflect on the broader issue of road safety. Dr. Jones emphasized the need for motorists to exercise caution, especially during the holiday season when road traffic tends to peak. Despite no reported fatal collisions on December 25, the sobering statistics reveal a harsh reality – in 2023, over 400 Jamaicans were unable to celebrate the holiday season with their loved ones due to preventable accidents on the nation’s roads. This heart-wrenching plea from the Fuller family serves as a poignant reminder for everyone to prioritize safety while on the roads. As the year draws to a close, let us collectively commit to responsible driving practices, ensuring that tragedies like these become fewer and farther between.

Reporter: Celine Campbell

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