A 27-year-old miner is now dead while another was injured after the boat they were travelling in crashed into a tree at Grant Friendship Canal, Lower Pomeroon River early yesterday morning.
The deceased has been identified as Renny France, called ‘Kelly,’ who was a father of two of Friendship Canal, Lower Pomeroon River.
The injured man has been identified as France’s neighbour, 25-year-old Dennon Lyte, also known as ‘Deno.’
The accident occurred sometime between 12.05 am and 1 am while the men were returning home.
The boat was being captained by Lyte.
They, however, hit a tree and as a result of the impact, both Lyte and France were thrown from the vessel.
They were rescued by public-spirited citizens and were transported to the Oscar Joseph District Hospital, where France was pronounced dead on arrival.
Lyte was admitted at the hospital and his condition was listed as stable up to last evening.
Natasha Smith, a relative of France, yesterday told Stabroek News that her brother, Glenroy, related to her that he saw both of the men in Charity on Monday.
However, France and Lyte reportedly both left Charity for home before Glenroy.
According to Smith, when Glenroy returned home, he didn’t see France. Upon, enquiring, she said he learnt that France was hanging out at a shop with Lyte.
Smith added that Glenroy initially opted to go for France to bring him home but later changed his mind as he thought he would eventually return.
Relatives subsequently learnt of the tragedy. It is suspected that the men were under the influence at the time of the accident.
France was described as a hardworking man, who spent most of his time in the interior.
Smith said he returned home to spend the Christmas holiday with his family and had plans for his partner’s birthday on Friday.
