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Boy Dies After Falling Out Of Pickup Truck
May 31, 2009
A nine-year-old St. Thomas boy died when he fell out the back of a moving pickup truck in the area of the Buddha Bar.
The vehicle was being driven by the boy’s grandfather and there were two other minors and one adult in the back of the truck.
According to St. Thomas Traffic Commander Sgt. Roselyn Jarvis at about 8:23 p.m. Saturday, May 30 the boy and two other minors were in the back of the pickup truck sitting on a tool box.
A 42-year-old adult male was also in the back of the truck.
The vehicle was driving east, and as it turned the corner, nine-year-old Rasean Sanderson, who was sitting on the left side of the tool box slid off the tool box, off the truck and struck the side of his face on the roadway.
He was transported by ambulance to the Roy Lester Schneider Regional Hospital where he was later pronounced dead by medical staff.
The Traffic Investigation Bureau is continuing its investigation of this accident.
Whether or not any citations will be issued will be determined upon the conclusion of the investigation.
Police Commissioner Designee Novelle E. Francis Jr. extended his condolences to the family of the boy during this time of sorrow and reflection.
He said the department recently attended a Senate hearing to discuss the issue of passengers riding unrestrained in the back of pickup trucks.
“We are working alongside the Senate to change the laws regarding riders in the back of pickup trucks,” Francis said.
“It is very sad to know that this innocent boy had to die to highlight the risk parents and guardians take when placing their children in the backs of moving pickup trucks.”