Toddler, parents die in Rupununi accident

Last Updated on Monday, 18 August 2025, 22:40 by Writer

A two-year-old girl and her parents died on Sunday after the motorcycle on which they were traveling was struck by minibus on the Pirara Trail, Lethem, Rupununi, police said on Monday afternoon.

The deceased were identified as motorcyclist Jagnarine Stephen, 23, his wife Kyrea Stephen, 24, and their two-year-old Laurel Stephen.

Police said that at about 11:20 on Sunday morning, the family of three from Yakarinta Village, North Rupununi, was travelling on a red and black motorcycle along the trail when they were struck down by a minibus, bearing license number, BAC 8020, which is owned by Shawn Pedro of Tabatinga, Lethem.

At the time of the accident, police said the bus was being driven by 34-year-old Darwell Bernard, a resident of Katoka Village.

Investigators were told that the minibus driver was proceeding north along Pirara Trail at about 50 kilometres per hour, and while negotiating a turn, collided with the motorcycle, which was speeding in the opposite direction.

“As a result of the collision, the family of three was thrown off the motorcycle and fell on the trail, where they received multiple injuries,” the Guyana Police Force said in a statement.

An emergency medical team from the Lethem Hospital was summoned and arrived shortly with an ambulance and an on-duty doctor.

Police said the motorcyclist and his two-year-old daughter were pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife was examined, picked up in an unconscious state and succumbed while being transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital.

The bodies were taken to Lethem Regional Hospital’s Mortuary for storage and post-mortem examinations.

Police said the minibus driver was arrested and placed into custody. Two breathalyser tests were conducted and there was no trace of alcohol, police added.