Wife of accident victim recalls last interaction with husband before fatal collision

A kiss goodbye and a usual warning to be careful marked the last interaction Carol Ann Scott had with her husband Junior Scott on Sunday, just under two hours before he lost his life in Barbados’ latest fatal accident. 

The 58-year-old cyclist died following a collision with a car in St Lucy on Sunday morning. According to police reports, the accident happened around 8:45 a.m. as the bicycle and a car were reportedly travelling in opposite directions along Coles Cave Road, in the vicinity of the Grape Hall Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Scott died while receiving medical treatment at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, becoming the ninth road fatality this year.

When Barbados TODAY visited his home at Lot 1B, Quarry Road, St Thomas on Monday, an atmosphere of despair lingered, despite the welcoming countenances. 

Sharing the tragic outcome of what began as a routine Sunday morning, Carol Ann said: “He left home after 6 for his usual Sunday morning ride.

“He goes riding every Sunday, all over the island and usually with a riding buddy, who didn’t go this time because he woke up late.”

The grieving widow shared that after her husband left, she got up to do some chores, including going to a neighbouring family member to use their washing machine.  

“While there, I got a call from the hospital number and the person asked to speak with Junior. I told them he was not home and asked to take a message. They asked if he rides a bike and I said, ‘yes’ so I asked who was calling and why,” she shared. 

Carol Ann added that the exchange left her feeling a tad uncomfortable as the answers “never really add up”, so she phoned home to find out if her husband was back. He wasn’t. By this time, it was already past 11 o’clock. 

“Soon after, I got a call from my sister-in-law who said the police came by and wanted me to go to the hospital. When I got there, they took me to a room with two doctors and a policeman,” she said, adding that she knew immediately the news she was about to hear would not be good. 

Then, her worst thoughts were confirmed. 

“I just wish we could erase the day and start over again,” Carol Ann told Barbados TODAY. 

She said the couple’s 16-year-old son had an uncanny feeling about his father’s journey that day. 

“Apparently he left his water bottle and came back home for it. When we got to the hospital, my son said ‘Mom, when Dad came back to get the bottle, I had a funny feeling about it’,” the widow shared. 

She also revealed that Junior lost his brother, 63-year-old Goldwyn Scott, in July 2023, his body was discovered in a 300-foot well near the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology in Thorpes, St James.

“He was the family’s strength during that time and now, less than one year later…,” she said as her voice trailed off, leaving her thoughts unvoiced, yet vivid. 

Carol Ann described her husband as fun loving, straightforward and helpful. 

He worked as a financial officer at the National Conservation Commission and as a part time lecturer at the University of the West Indies (UWI), she disclosed. Junior also served as an elder in the Seventh Day Adventist Church and had delivered a well-received Mother’s Day presentation the day before his demise. 

Carol Ann said he was loved by many whom he served, and spoke of the host of students coming to Barbados to study at the UWI , who refer to him as their “Bajan Dad”.

In response to calls for stricter road measures, she said: “I watch how people drive and they underestimate the speed that cyclists are riding at. My husband uses a professional bike where his feet are locked in the pedals so it’s not like he could have jumped off if he sees something about to happen. He has been riding for over 40 years and is usually one to implement all the safety measures you can think about.”

Carol Ann revealed that she had heard nothing of the survivor in the accident or whether any one was being charged. All she knows is what the police told her and that her next step is to “bury [her] husband.”

shannamoore@barbadostoday.bb