Hanover Community Mourns Tragic Loss

An unfortunate and deadly turn of events, as a woman and a teenager attempting to save the life of a man who was shot at an event in ramble Hanover, met their demise in a motor vehicle collision in Westmoreland on Wednesday, March 2, 2022.

The woman, the teenager and the gunshot victim, who later died while undergoing treatment at the hospital, had to be extricated from the vehicle. The sister of the teenager who was also in the vehicle is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

29-year-old Vanessa Spence and 16-year-old Brianna Smith, both of Axe-And-Adze (Axe N’ Adge) Hanover, lost their lives while attempting to save another. According to police reports Spence and smith were patrons at a party in the community, along with 26-year-old Aljay Ricketts. Explosions were reportedly heard and it was discovered that Ricketts was shot. Spence and smith were assisting Ricketts to the hospital when the Toyota Axio motor car spence was driving collided with a truck on Haddo Main Road in Whithorn, Westmoreland.

Spence, Ricketts and Smith were trapped inside the vehicle and its doors had to be removed to get them out. They were transported to hospital where Spence and smith were pronounced dead; Ricketts died whilst undergoing treatment. Though mourning, Spence’s father was comforted knowing she died trying to do good.

The sudden and tragic deaths have left the community in a state of shock.