Following the tragic accident on Friday, December 6th, which resulted in the death of American tourist 40-year-old Jennifer Hernandez, police have charged her boyfriend, 39-year-old Isaac Jeremy Flores. He faces charges of reckless driving, driving without due care and attention, death by careless conduct, and failure to provide a specimen for analysis. Flores was arraigned at the San Pedro Magistrate Court on Monday, December 9th, where he was granted bail set at $10,000, along with a surety of $5,000. He was able to post bail and avoided being remanded to the Kolbe Foundation Central Prison in Belize. The bail conditions require that Flores attend the preliminary inquiry, as well as the High Court arraignment and trial when they are scheduled.
Flores was represented in court by attorney Richard “Dickie” Bradley, who informed the media that the accident would be a difficult experience for Flores to cope with. Additionally, Flores mentioned that he plans to contact Hernandez’s relatives in the United States to begin making arrangements for her funeral.
On the day of the tragic accident, police reported that Flores and his girlfriend were driving a golf cart on Secret Beach Road, located north of San Pedro Town. According to the official report, Flores hit a bump, causing his girlfriend, Hernandez, to fall off the golf cart. She sustained severe injuries, and despite the efforts of volunteers and first aid responders, she succumbed to her injuries. The police suspected that Flores had been consuming alcoholic beverages and subsequently detained him.
Traffic accidents resulting in death are becoming more frequent across Belize. One day after the fatal golf cart accident in San Pedro, Belize recorded its worst road accidents in recent times. A multi-vehicle accident occurred on the George Price Highway in the Cayo District on December 7th, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals.
The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Transport has addressed the recent incidents that have tragically claimed several lives in the country. They expressed their deepest condolences to those affected by these road accidents. “As we approach this busy time of the year, we are reminded of the importance of prioritizing road safety. We urge all road users to exercise extreme caution,” a press release read. “Stay within speed limits, always use seat belts, remain mindful of road conditions, avoid drinking and driving, and overtake only when it is safe and legal. These simple precautions can save lives.” The ministry announced plans to enhance its response to road safety in light of recent accidents. They will work with the police department and local traffic authorities to increase patrols and establish more vehicle checkpoints, especially at night, to strengthen the enforcement of traffic regulations.
In San Pedro, the traffic department consistently advises motorists to exercise caution on the road and adhere to traffic regulations. Visitors to the popular Secret Beach area, nearly an hour’s drive from downtown San Pedro, are urged to act responsibly and refrain from driving if they have consumed alcoholic beverages. Individuals caught violating traffic regulations will face the full consequences of the law.
