Sunday-morning accident claims life of Dominica national athlete, while hospital appeals for blood for injured survivor

There continues to be an urgent call for blood for Derick Jno-
Baptiste, the surviving victim of the motorbike accident that
occurred early Sunday morning, August 13.

That accident claimed the life of celebrated Dominican national
athlete Bram Sanderson, aged 30 years old.

On Monday, an urgent call was made by the Sir Lester Bird Medical
Centre, requesting for blood for Jno-Baptiste, who is nursing
multiple significant injuries, including to his hip and head. As he
remains in a critical condition, members of his family are hoping he
will pull through.

Also known as “Gyaz,” Jno-Baptiste is 29 years old and is also a
native of Dominica – a resident of Portsmouth.

Early Sunday morning, he and Sanderson reportedly were on a
motorbike heading up Factory Road when, upon reaching the
intersection of American Road, they collided with a pick-up traveling
from north to south from St. Johnstons Boulevard.

Media reports say the force of the impact propelled Jno-Baptiste
over the fence of Harney Motors and onto the compound of the car
dealership. 

A video of the accident recorded by surveillance cameras shows the
deadly collision, as both vehicles tried to cross the intersection at
the same time – in spite of apparently functional traffic lights.
Up to press time, however, it was unclear which vehicle had failed to
yield at the red light.

The motorcycle was being driven by Sanderson, who, reports say,
succumbed to his multiple injuries while being transported to the
hospital. 

The 30-year-old, who was described as a multi-talented sportsman,
represented his country at the Commonwealth Games in Australia in
2018, competing in the cycling event, and was also the first
Dominican to take part in kayaking on the international level.

On his social-media platform, Dominica Prime Minister Roosevelt
Skerrit expressed condolences to the family of Sanderson, whom he
hailed as a national athlete.