Bermudian women killed in Florida crash named
Former colleagues of a Bermudian woman have offered their tributes to her and her mother after both were killed in a high-speed collision in Florida.
Those who knew Lisa Jackson also offered an outpouring of support for her daughter, Kumani, who was left in a critical condition from the same crash.
The condolences were given after the Broward County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Ms Jackson and her mother, Geraldine Francis, died in the three-vehicle collision on the outskirts of Fort Lauderdale just before 4pm on Sunday.
An updated statement today added that the driver of one of the other vehicles involved in the crash was arrested yesterday on two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving, causing serious bodily injury.
Alison Hill, the chief executive of the Argus Group, where Ms Jackson formerly worked, said: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our former colleague and friend, Lisa Jackson, and her mother, Geraldine, while they were accompanying Lisa's daughter to begin her university journey in Florida.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lisa’s daughter, Kumani, who is in the ICU fighting for her life.”
She added: “During her decade-long tenure with us at Argus, Lisa left an indelible mark through her leadership and dedication, particularly within our pension operations.
“Her commitment to client satisfaction and her ability to foster strong relationships with stakeholders were truly exceptional.
“Lisa's legacy is one of professionalism, expertise and a genuine passion for her work, qualities that inspired everyone who had the privilege of working alongside her.
“Many of us are still in shock, trying to come to terms with this heartbreaking news.
“Lisa was not just a remarkable professional; she was also a wonderful colleague and a true friend to many of us.
“Lisa was a devoted mother, deeply involved in her daughter’s life and passions.
“Her love and support for her family were evident to all who knew her.
“The loss of Lisa and her mother is a profound tragedy that has deeply affected us all.
“As we mourn this unimaginable loss, we remember Lisa not only for her contributions to our company but also for the warmth, kindness and dedication she brought into the lives of those around her.
“Our thoughts are with Lisa’s family during this difficult time and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are grieving this loss.
“We ask the community to keep Lisa’s family, especially her daughter, Kumani, in their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly challenging time.“
In a statement yesterday, a spokesman for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that Ms Jackson was driving the car and that Ms Francis was a passenger. Kumani was listed as a “juvenile female”.
The spokesman said: “According to detectives, around 3.57pm on August 11, the driver of a 2023 Tesla Model 3 was travelling westbound on Northwest Sixth Street approaching the intersection at Northwest 27th Avenue in unincorporated Central Broward near Fort Lauderdale.
“At the same time, the driver of 2023 Dodge Durango was travelling southbound on Northwest 27th Avenue approaching the intersection at NW 6th Street.
“The Tesla driver, Gavin Dorvil, was travelling at a high rate of speed when he collided with the driver’s side of the Durango in a T-bone-style collision.
“The collision caused both vehicles to be redirected in a southwestern direction.”
The spokesman added: “As a result of that collision, the Durango struck a 2024 Chevrolet Trax that was travelling eastbound on NW 6th Street and stopped at the intersection at NW 27th Avenue.
“As a result of that collision, the Trax rolled over on to its roof, coming to rest in the eastbound lanes of NW 6th Street.
“Meanwhile, the Tesla and Durango continued southwest and crashed through a chain-link fence surrounding a cemetery, where each vehicle came to a final rest.”
The statement said: “Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue transported all occupants of the vehicles, a total of five individuals, to Broward Health Medical Centre.
“The driver and a passenger in the Durango were pronounced deceased at the hospital. A second passenger in the Durango is in critical condition.”
Today’s statement added: “Deputies arrested Gavin Dorvil, 19, on Tuesday night at Broward Health Medical Centre.
“He was arrested on two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of reckless driving, causing serious bodily injury. According to detectives, additional charges are expected.
“Detectives said the preliminary investigation reveals that excessive speed is considered a factor in the crash. Impairment is not suspected at this time.”
A criminal investigation into the circumstances of the crash continues.
The sheriff’s office added: “While traffic homicide unit detectives investigated the crash on Sunday, they requested BSO’s internal affairs unit determine if any BSO units were pursuing the Tesla prior to the crash.
“Internal affairs responded to the scene and immediately began reviewing the circumstances of the incident.
“That review is ongoing. Two BSO deputies have been placed on restricted administrative assignment as the internal review proceeds.”
According to the statement, deputies recovered a firearm at the scene that is believed to have come from the Tesla.
A statement from the Free Democratic Movement tonight said: “The Bermuda community is mourning the loss of Lisa Jackson, a Bermudian woman who tragically lost her life in a road collision accident in Florida on August 11.
“Her tragic passing has left a void in the hearts of her loved ones, both in Bermuda and overseas.
“Lisa will be remembered for her kindness, the positive impact she had on everyone who knew her and her devotion to being a great mother to her daughter, Kumani.”
• Additional reporting by Gareth Finighan
• UPDATE: this article has been updated with a statement from Argus Group