An 18-year-old was killed in a tragic traffic accident on Sunday evening. Triston Ortiz was heading home to Maskall Village when the pickup he was in lost control and plunged off a bridge.
ASP Stacy Smith told us more details.
ASP Stacy Smith, Police Press Officer
"In the course of responding police met a pickup truck, where Triston Ortiz an 18 year old Belizean of Maskall was observed with visible injuries to the body. Ortiz was ferried to the KHMH however, he later succumbed to the injuries sustained. Initial investigation reveals that at approximately 5:00 am, Ortiz was in a Toyota Hilux pickup truck which was being driven by Gilbert Graham, a 34 year old Belizean when upon approaching the old Belize River Bridge the truck collided into the railing of that bridge causing the truck to fall about 20 feet into the riverbank. Police have detained Graham and a urine sample has been collected from him."
And after the death of both his parents, Ortiz was raised by his grandmother since he was about 11 years old. She told us that she's just trying to remain calm:
Lois Vasquez, Grandmother of Deceased
"When I get here, my nephew came and tell me that they already took him. So I never see him. Well, I have to take it cool because then I have high blood pressure and I never want..... So I take it cool. He was a nice little boy."
"Whenever he goes to Belize, he always gives a helping hand to people."
Reporter
"I understand he was coming from Santana to Maskall. Do you know what he was doing during the day?"
Lois Vasquez, Grandmother of Deceased
"Hmm, no, because when he left from back here, I wouldn't see him until like next day. When he goes, he comes home next day, like night and I would already be in my bed."
"Well, I will try to cope with it, man."
Police are awaiting the result of a urine sample from the driver.
