On Monday we told you about the fatal motorcycle collision on the Phillip Goldson Highway that took the life of 27 year old Kareem Arnold. The other victim in the incident was 21 year old Churchill Bernard who received extensive injuries during the crash but survived- just barely. He continues to be closely monitored at the KHMH. The reports had it that Bernard was overtaking a van when he ran head on into Arnold. Investigators said Arnold's headlights were not working which, they say, could have been cause of the accident. But while of the victims died on the spot the other continues to fight for his life. Today the mother gave us an update on his condition.
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"Well, he was in an accident Saturday night. He was coming from church, dropped off his little cousin and was going back to my mother for his helmet and his slippers, because he was going to play football at the church, after they have an all-day church, they usually have little games after that and then he was coming back home when I got the message that he was in an accident."
Emanuel Pech
"Talk to us about the feeling the family had when they found out about it?"
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"Hmm, I don't wish that on anyone. Because that's a terrible feeling - you just spoke to your son and a little bit after someone calls and tell you that your son is in an accident. Words I can't really explain it."
Emanuel Pech
"Tell me about the status of your son, how is he doing?"
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"When he came in, he has swelling to his brain and he has a broken wrist and his upper arm is broken, he has 3 ribs broken and he had bleeding behind the lungs. But up to now he is doing okay, because they did an operation now. They stopped the bleeding from inside and the swelling in his head. What they did today, they did a cat scan, but I haven't gotten the result as yet, so that's what I am waiting on. So far what the doctor is telling me that they have changed the medication, he is in a coma, they changed the medication and now the brain is going down, not as much as we would wanted it to, but it's going down and it's a good sign for me."
Emanuel Pech
"Along with your son, there was another victim, one that was fatal."
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"Yes, he died on the spot and I just want to extend my condolences to that family. I am sorry about the accident and everything. Just keep on praying. I am praying for my son and just keep strong as well."
And to cope with the financial expenses the family has engaged the community in a fund raising campaign. The first of which is taking place tomorrow in the form of a BBQ sale.
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"What we are doing here is we are having a barbeque tomorrow at 32 Barrack Road and next week we are planning on having another one and the other week we are planning to have one in Sandhill. So what we are doing is we are asking for a little bit of support so that we can get the bills paid and everything."
Emanuel Pech
"People that aren't able to participate in this barbeque sale, they still have an opportunity to lend their support at another barbeque sale. Talk to us about that?"
Joleen Burgess, Mother of RTA Victim
"At this barbeque we are catering for 400 people and we don't want to exceed. But what I am asking is for support on the next barbeque, so if anyone can lend or want to support us, just call me at 667-8209."
Bernard is a mechanic from Fresh Pond and is described by his family as a model youth in the community.
Email
Print