A son of Ewart Brown, the former premier, has been killed in a car crash in the United States.

Maurice Pitt, 40, died after the accident in Louisiana on Saturday night.

In a statement yesterday afternoon, a spokesman for Dr Brown said that the former premier was “mourning the loss of his son, Maurice Pitt, who sustained severe head injuries in a car accident”.

The statement added that Mr Pitt’s mother, Maureen, was visiting him and his daughter Kesi at the time.

In his memoir Whom Shall I Fear?, Dr Brown, who served as Premier of Bermuda between 2006 and 2010, said that he tried to be a devoted father to Maurice and his three other sons, Kevin, Trey and Donovan.

He wrote: “I was determined to follow my father's example of doing right by all of his children.”

The Progressive Labour Party offered its condolences last night to Dr Brown and Ms Pitt.

A party spokesman said: “The Progressive Labour Party offers our deepest condolences to our former party leader and former premier Ewart Brown and Ms Maureen Pitt on the tragic loss of their son, Maurice.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dr Brown, Ms Pitt and their families. May the memories of your son bring you comfort during this very difficult time.”

Cole Simons, the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance, also offered condolences.

Mr Simons said: “On behalf of the entire One Bermuda Alliance, we offer our sincere condolences to former premier Dr Ewart Brown and to Ms Maureen Pitt on the death of their son, Mr Maurice Pitt.

“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire family and pray that God will give you the strength to get through this most difficult time.”