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‘Her gift was worship, her passion was volleyball’: Friends are remembering the teen’s smile that lit up Abaco

For those who knew Bertrica Brown, one thing is remembered again and again— her smile.

A smile that reflected the joy, kindness and warmth she carried wherever she went.

Bertrica was a young woman with dreams ahead of her — a recent graduate, a talented athlete and a person of faith whose life touched many in her community.

But those dreams were suddenly cut short.

Bertrica, a 2026 graduate of Agape Christian School, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, was among the four young women whose lives were tragically lost in a car crash early Sunday morning in Nassau.

At Kingdom Builders Ministries in Marsh Harbour, Bertrica was known as someone who used her gifts to serve God.

Her pastors, Bishop Terrance and Shoine Strachan, remembered her faithful service on the church’s dance team as a mime dancer.

They said she used her talents “to glorify God and minister to others.”

Her beautiful smile and worshipful spirit, they said, will always be remembered.

For those who taught her, Bertrica was a joy to be around. Her teacher Ayanna Bernard described her as “such a sweet soul.”

She remembered Bertrica as a student who was “never rude,” but always brought laughter and positivity wherever she went.

Bertrica’s future seemed full of promise. At her recent graduation, she was described as a bright young woman with incredible potential.

Member of Parliament Mario Bowleg, who spoke at her graduation, remembered her as someone with a future ahead of her.

And that future included continuing her education after receiving a full scholarship to play volleyball.

Volleyball was her passion.

Madeline Albury, who knew her, remembered the joy she brought to the game.

“She had a wonderful spirit wherever she went. It was filled with laughter, such a sweet girl,” Albury shared.

Those closest to her are now left with memories and a pain that words cannot fully explain.

Florence Fullerton shared an emotional goodbye: “Oh Trica, no more ‘mumz.’”

Others remembered the energy and life she brought into every space.

Retta Thomas described the loss as devastating, remembering Bertrica as a young woman who had only recently graduated alongside her grandson and others.

She said Bertrica had “an amazing vibrancy of life” and was an example to those around her during her time at Agape Christian School.

‘She was a rising star’: Her community learning how to say goodbye after tragedy

Stania Webb was full of promise and her presence brought joy to the people around her.

A 2024 graduate of Old Bight High School, she was remembered by her alumni as “cherished” — a rising star whose future held so much possibility.

But in the early hours of Sunday morning, that future was suddenly cut short. Stania was one of four young women who lost their lives in a tragic car crash after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a tree.

Old Bight High School remembered Stania as someone who left a lasting impact on the school community.

The school, led by Principal Bennique Brown-Pratt, said her time at the institution was marked by moments that will not be forgotten.

“We also remember with love and gratitude Stania Webb, whose life touched many within our school community,” the school shared.

“Though her time with us has passed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Her school community said she left an indelible mark, hoping the memories of her life continue to inspire future generations.

Beyond the classroom, Stania shared her talents through music.

She was a member of the Cat Island Community Band, where she played the saxophone — using her gift to contribute to the cultural life on the island.

Band Director Jerrard Storr expressed the deep pain felt by those who knew her.

“My heart is heavy with sadness and words cannot truly express the pain we are feeling at this moment,” he said.

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking reminders of Stania’s impact came from her sister, Diamond Nabbie, who struggled to process the sudden loss.

In an emotional tribute shared online, she wrote: “Nia I keep walking in the room looking for you.”

Stania was also part of the Highway Church of God in Cat Island, where she worshipped alongside another victim of the crash, Diamond Stubbs.

The church community said her passing has deeply affected those who knew her. Mericha Walker, General Youth Director, shared that the church is standing with the grieving families during this painful time.

“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel,” she said.

‘He left his mark’: Friends mourn beloved tattoo artist killed in Grand Bahama car crash

Friends across Grand Bahama are grieving the sudden loss of 35-year-old Rakeem Dames, known to many as “Ricky Rabbs” — a tattoo artist remembered not just for his craft, but for the life and energy he poured into others.

Dames, owner of Island Ink Tattoos Bahamas, died in a tragic car accident on Queen’s Highway on Friday. But beyond the details of the crash, those who knew him say his story is one of talent and impact.

To some, he was the artist who gave them their very first tattoo. To others, he was a friend who stayed in touch, and a personality you could not forget.

“He was exceptionally talented,” said his former teacher, Pauline Barker. “A left-handed artist with a vivid imagination and huge enthusiasm that inspired other students.”

She remembered him long before the tattoos, as a young man in her workshop, full of promise.

Years later, she watched that promise turn into a business and a name.

“He stayed in touch,” she said. “He leaves behind many friends and younger art students who looked up to his talents.”

For many, the news still does not feel real.

Nicole Strachan said Dames had just invited her out for a drink, a plan that will now never happen. “Omg,” she wrote, capturing the shock so many are still trying to process.

Others spoke about who he was beneath the surface.

“He was outspoken… smart and very intelligent,” Dichelle Bassett shared. “He wanted to make things right with him and God… he came from far.”

“I can’t believe my boy gone,” Steven Moore wrote. “It doesn’t feel real.”

For his close friend James Field, there is some comfort in their final conversation. “I’m truly glad we had the chance to talk at the end… someone who made a big impact in my life.”

He left a mark on people.

‘Always present, always faithful’: Abaco remembers Monique and Terrence Williams

Tears, prayers, and moments of reflection filled Full Gospel Assembly in Abaco on Saturday as loved ones gathered to mourn the lives of Monique Williams and her 13-year-old nephew, Terrence Williams, who were taken in a tragic car accident last month.

Family members, quietly with friends and community members, were united by the memories of Monique and Terrence.

As hymns echoed through the church, tears flowed freely and quietly and the service became a farewell and a reminder of how Monique and Terrence were loved.

Watch as family and friends view Monique and Terrence Williams.

Williams, 53, was remembered as a woman whose kindness was felt long before it was spoken. A preschool teacher, a friend said, she had a way of making everyone around her feel seen and cared for.

“She never sought the spotlight. She was always present, always faithful.”

They described Monique as family-oriented, thoughtful, and loyal.

Her devotion, they said, extended into her classroom, where she poured love and guidance into the children she taught.

Terrence Williams was remembered as a shy but joyful 13-year-old whose smile, loved ones said, could light up any room. A student at S.C. Bootle High School, Terrence, mourners said, had a gentle spirit and a growing love for basketball.

“He was sweet,” one family friend said in a social media post. “A good boy with a bright spirit.”

The pair died tragically in Marsh Harbour, shortly after 8 a.m., as the aunt and nephew traveled north along the roadway. Police say their vehicle was struck head-on by another car traveling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the other vehicle, a tourist visiting Abaco for the first time, has since been charged in connection with the fatal crash. He drove on the wrong side of the road.

‘Quiet strength’: Loved ones remember Marine Demeris Armbrister

Grief filled Bible Truth Ministries on Saturday as family, friends, and fellow marines gathered to say goodbye to Royal Bahamas Defence Force Marine Demeris Armbrister, remembered for his discipline, quiet strength, and commitment to service.

Fellow Marines who served alongside Armbrister described him as soft-spoken and gentle, yet vibrant and full of life once he was among friends. He was known for pushing himself, physically and mentally, always striving to be better.

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Friends said that as the RBDF gym manager, fitness was his passion.

Armbrister, in his early twenties, died in a tragic car crash on December 1. Police said he lost control of his vehicle around 5 a.m. along Tonique Williams-Darling Highway, striking a tree before the car overturned. He remained trapped inside the wreckage until first responders were able to pull him free.

At his funeral, his casket was carried by members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, draped in the Bahamian flag, a final salute to the young marine who had only recently begun his journey since joining the RBDF in 2023.

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Photo credit: Through the Eyes of Ezra

Commodore Floyd Moxey remembered Armbrister as a Marine who embodied the values of the force.

“He brought genuine intensity and pride to his work,” Moxey said. “He had exceptional zeal and energy, someone who consistently lifted the standard and morale of his team. He showed up each day ready to serve, ready to learn, and ready to inspire those around him.”

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Moxey described him as fit, disciplined, motivated, and fully committed — “exactly what a modern Defence Force should be.”

“This is a profound loss,” he added. “The RBDF is shaken by this tragedy.”

Among those paying final respects was Demetrius Clarke, a close friend and colleague who served as part of the firing squad.

No photo description available.
Photo credit: Demetrius Clarke
No photo description available.
Photo credit: Demetrius Clarke

“It was an honour and a duty I did not take lightly,” Clarke said, “To stand strong for you in your final moments, to celebrate your life, your service, and your legacy.”

Featured Images: Through the Eyes of Ezra

‘This can’t be true’: Friends mourn woman after tragic Western Road crash

The loss of Shaquell Roberts on Monday has left family and friends stunned, heartbroken, and searching for answers.

Roberts, 34, was traveling along Western Road when a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction collided with her Honda, causing it to spin out of control and then overturn. She died at the scene. The male driver of the other vehicle was injured.

News of her passing spread quickly, and with it came a flood of grief from loved ones.

“She was gentle, sweet, and always kind to me,” wrote her friend Aleandra Pinder in a tribute that echoed across social media timelines.

But it was the message from her daughter that cut deep.

“Mommy, only if you could have held on longer… wake up please. I can’t do this.”

Friends spoke of disbelief that someone so full of life could be gone so suddenly.

“When I saw her, I kept shaking my head… no, this can’t be true,” said Jaqua Strachan. “I never imagined this would be the end.”

For coworkers at the BPL Clifton plant, where Roberts worked, the shock seemed unbearable.

“This is the biggest blow,” said Adanta Micklewhite, who came to the scene after hearing the news. “She was the coolest, chilliest person alive.”

 

Carla Forrestal remembers their everyday routine.

“You’d stop and ask me to open your office after I opened the gate,” she wrote. “But this morning… you didn’t. This is a hard pill to swallow. You will be missed. BPL will never be the same.”

Others remembered her as approachable, warm, and full of light.

“You didn’t even have to know her, she would talk to you,” said Sherr Gibson.

“I can’t remember a time when Quelly wasn’t smiling,” Pinder added.

“She was the sweetest person,” wrote Shae Smith.

‘They were humble’: Andros grieves untimely loss of three young brothers killed in Nassau tragic car crash

The community of Andros joined the mother in mourning three brothers killed in a traffic accident in Nassau early Monday morning.

“[They were] young, vibrant and talented young men,” the Member of Parliament for North Andros and the Berry Island Leonardo Lightbourne remembered in a social media post.

Deangelo, D’Caprio and Philip Christie were the country’s latest traffic fatality when their Honda Passport lost control and hit a tree along Sir Milo Butler Highway around 2 am. The Jaws of Life was used to extricate D’Caprio, 23, and Philip 24, who were the driver and front-seat passenger. They both died on the scene.

Deangelo, 20, a backseat passenger, died sometime later Monday morning after being hospitalized for serious injuries.

“This is a very difficult time for their families…We are asking the entire NABI family to keep this family in their prayers,” Lightbourne said.

A friend of the brothers, George Pratt Jr described them as “humble.”

“The whole island of Andros could say Mrs Vannie Christie boys were humble and they didn’t forget what she taught them.

“No one who came in contact with Philip, D’Caprio or Deangelo could say they were troublesome guys,” he lamented.

Shyvonne Burrows had known the men as children and echoed Pratt’s sentiments.

“I just spoke with the mom for the longest on Saturday about them, not knowing. I am literally lost for words,” Raquel Beneby.

Tario Miller is in shock and grieving the loss. He had spent Sunday with the trio before he returned home to rest and prepare for work. “I wish I could hug my brothers one more time,” he said.

Friend Ron Jones said his last conversation with D’Caprio included a promise to visit him in Minnesota but that never happened.

“You were the first person back home who supported my business. I can’t believe this.”

‘I can’t stop crying’: Friends grief stricken over the killing of 19-year-old Bahamian in Florida

Best friend Sanae Knowles never thought she would witness the tragic and early death of 19-year-old Latrell Adderley, killed in a hit-and-run crash in Orlando Florida, early Sunday morning.

Adderley was standing with a group of people near the road around 3:43 a.m. when a 2005 Ford Excursion driven by Alexis Lima, ran off the roadway, hit a pole, a parked vehicle and Adderley.

The scene of the tragic hit-and-run crash

“Life has shown us its hurtful side by taking you away from us when we didn’t see it coming. It breaks my heart that you were taken so unexpectedly…I’m still crying,” Knowles said in a tribute to Adderley.

Latrell Adderley with bestfriend Sanae Knowles

Adderly died in the Advent Health Orlando Hospital.

But authorities were still looking for 20-year-old Lima and two other passengers who took off. Lima, the driver was eventually arrested and booked at Orlando County Jail and charged with driving without a license causing death and leaving the scene of a crash which involved injuries.

Knowles said she cherished his “unconditional love, smile and personality.”

Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy where Adderley graduated in 2022 remembered him as “bold, spirited, innovator, fun and a leader.”

“Latrell made a lasting impact on the lives of administration, teachers and students…his energetic spirit and smiling face will surely be missed,” a social media post read.

Dominic Russell said he is still in disbelief and would have met Adderley in his duties as pageant director. “This has my heart heavy right now…I really was hoping this was a dream.”

Photo credit: Cee-Jay Lowe

Friend Lee Ann met Adderley at work. They never lost touch even after he went to college. “This hurt my soul…Who am I going to talk to? We [were] birthday buddy twins.

Monika Strachan said he lit up her life, “He was such an amazing young man, full of energy and joy, never a dull moment.”

‘He was a hardworking young man’: Family and friends grieve after fiery car crash

Twenty-six-year-old Marcus Major, a manager at Greycliff Restaurant, before a tragic, fiery car crash on Saturday, was remembered for the hard work he demonstrated at his place of employment.

Friend Michell Moss said he was “such a nice, respectful [and] hardworking young man.

“It’s sad to see [him] leave.”

Having served as a manager since 2014, Major was constantly up and ready on his day off whenever his employer called.

Sister Andrea Clarke who resides in the United States said he would consistently oblige for the sake of more money.

“Every time he home, his job would call him and ask if he could just come in.”
“And he would be like, ‘Yeah, I’ll make it.’

“I would always tell him, ‘Sometimes just stay home. Stay home with your family and just have some time with your family.’ And he would say, ‘No, I have to go to work, I need this money,'” Clarke said.

She previously warned him, “whenever you’re tired and you feel like your body can’t move, don’t force yourself to go to work because you never know what’s gonna happen, you know?”

The younger sister believed he fell asleep at the wheel.

Major was reportedly heading home from work in the early morning hours, when his Nissan Skyline hit a utility pole and burst into flames on Saturday, while travelling south along Mackey Street.

When fire fighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered his remains in the driver’s seat.

Clarke said his demise has left a remarkable hole in her family’s heart including her toddler niece. “Our two-year-old niece keeps asking her mommy if her uncle is dead.

“Marcus could you please wakeup and let Layah know you are still here, please brother,” she cried.

Friend Jasmine Deveaux remembered him as “a nice [and] sweet person.”

Another friend Deeks Rolle said he will miss Major because he was “decent” and “respectable.”

“Such a hardworking young man,” Samuel Bowe echoed.

“He is going to be a huge miss. Such a sweetheart. That smile of his lit up a room,” Dawn Pinder mourned.

Clarke would not see her brother funeralized since she is awaiting US citizenship.

She Was ‘Sweet’, Recently Graduated From University. She Never Got to Fulfill Her Dream of Owning a Business

Friends of a young woman killed after her car crashed and hit a tree early Saturday morning, are grieving her loss.

“My sweet, smart, selfless Jada. I can’t believe this. I am in shock. I seriously cannot fathom this,” friend Quin Poitier lamented.

Poitier and other friends took to social media to honour the life of  23-year-old Jada Swann who was killed on West Bay Street, near Poop Deck restaurant when she attempted to overtake a vehicle while driving a 2019 Kia Rio.

Fire services used the Jaws of Life to pull her from the mangled car, but she died on the scene.

She and Poitier were friends for nine years and during their friendship, they often discussed life after death.

“It always felt like we grew up together,” Poitier said. “To know [her] is to love [her]. I wish I could change this.”

Swann was a 2017 Public School Scholar, an award granted by the Ministry of Education to graduates of public schools. She graduated from CV Bethel Senior High School, after which she studied at Monroe College in New York and recently obtained her Master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

In 2018, it was no surprise she received the top award in Commerce after sitting the BGCSE examinations. She expressed that her plans were to be a successful businesswoman.

Public School Scholars Programme Administrator Monique Hinsey remembered her and expressed sorrow at her tragic death.

Jermeka Johnson, another friend of Swann said she “impacted so many lives and did it effortlessly.”

Vashti Aleisha echoed the sentiments. “To know [her] was to love [her]. She never got mad or loud or mean. [She was] the true meaning of elegance and grace and humility in person. [She was] always been kind, selfless, and a real light to everyone around [her].

Her friend from high school, Simeon Farquharson said his last conversation with Swann was Wednesday when they promised to catch up on Saturday, the day she died.

“[I’m] honestly bewildered,” he said. “I don’t know how to deal with this.”