The driver who reportedly struck down 71-year-old Edward Ashby and killed him on Saturday last remains in police custody as investigations into the matter continue.
Ashby, of Lot 53 Third Street, Industry, was on his way home when the accident occurred at Industry, Railway Line, East Coast Demerara as he attempted to cross the road.
The accident occurred around 19:45 hrs and the elderly man was later pronounced dead on arrival at the Georgetown Public Hospital. His daughter, Beverly Ashby, told Stabroek News that her father left home around 10 am on Saturday to visit friends and at the time of his death he was returning home. She said her father had stopped off at Sugrim Singh Road and was attempting to cross the road when he was hit by a Toyota Raum.
When Stabroek News visited the home last evening, his children were tending to the many relatives and friends who joined them at a wake.
His youngest daughter, Roxanne Ashby, told this newspaper that she and another sibling witnessed the post-mortem examination (PME) yesterday at the Georgetown Public Hospital and the cause of death was given as multiple injuries. When further prompted, the woman said she was told her father had sustained a fractured skull, jaw and broken legs. She said this information was related to the police who in turn said that after the funeral, the two witnesses of the PME will be invited to give statements. Further action, she said, will be taken then. The woman added that the funeral is planned for Thursday.
A tearful Beverly Ashby had said on the night of the incident that the driver made claims that another vehicle hit the man resulting in him being thrown into the path of his vehicle. From all indications, she had said, he died on the spot.
“We miss my father very much. We are accustomed to seeing him here. We can’t believe that he is dead. I am so used to taking out his dinner and in the morning preparing his breakfast and so on,” she said solemnly last evening.
She explained that her father is originally from the North West District but had migrated and started a family. She said he had worked as an engineer at Guyana Seafoods for 35 years and later, was captain of a boat and also a diver in the mining industry. At the time of his death, he had retired.
Beverly said that her father was a very peaceful and friendly person and even at the time of his death, he was on his way home after meeting with friends in Georgetown that day
Ashby leaves to mourn five children.
