Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

'It's not Christmas anymore' says family of dead teenager

First Prev 1 2 3 4 Next Last
Tragic accident: Maria and Carlos Ledo hold a family photo of their son Kevin with older sister Andreia Borges and younger sister Victoria. Kevin, 18, lost his life after an electrical shock in a landscaping accident on Christmas Eve. (Photo by Mark Tatem)

A heartbroken sister last night told how her 18-year-old brother was killed in a tragic accident while trimming a hedge on Christmas Eve.Landscaper Kevin Ledo suffered an electric shock when his cutting machine touched a live wire as he worked in a garden at Smith’s Avenue, Warwick.His father Carlos Ledo, who was working with him, ran to his aid after hearing his cry as he fell from his ladder.But the teenager died shortly after uttering his final words: “I’m okay, Daddy.”Last night, grieving loved ones gathered at Kevin’s home in St John’s Road, Pembroke, where countless Christmas presents lay untouched by the tree, the family too devastated to open them over the past three days.The victim’s sister Andreia Borges, 24, said Kevin had bought one of those gifts for his nephew, her two-year-old son Lucas.“He loved my son. He loved all his family and all his friends. He was the best brother anyone could have, he used to look out for me,” Ms Borges told The Royal Gazette.“There’s no explanation for what’s happened. It was his time to go. He was just starting his life so it was unfair that he was just taken like that. He had a good life, he really did.”The accident happened at 11.45am on Saturday, while Kevin and his father worked for Bermuda Landscaping. He was given CPR by paramedics before being taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1.20pm.Mr Ledo Sr, 47, said that shortly before the accident his son had said he was aware of the live wire; but it’s understood he suffered the fatal shock when the top of his machine came into contact with it.Mr Ledo described his son as a hard worker who was always ready to help anyone who needed it.Mother Maria Ledo was being comforted by family and friends, including Kevin’s other sister, 13-year-old Victoria.With festive celebrations the furthest thing from their minds, Ms Borges said: “He got my son a gift and it’s still wrapped up under the tree. We don’t want to touch any of the presents because it’s not Christmas any more.“The last time he came to my house was for my son’s second birthday on December 9.“My son doesn’t understand what’s going on, but he sees everyone crying. He points to Jesus and he says ‘Tee-Tee Jesus’. Tee-Tee was what my son called his uncle. That’s all he says. My brother loved him dearly.”Premier Paula Cox was among those offering sympathy over the weekend, saying in a statement: “I am confident that I speak for the whole of Bermuda in extending heartfelt condolences and our thoughts to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life earlier today.”More than 50 people paid tribute on a Facebook page, including Rosa Martha Almonte, who wrote: “To the Ledo family: We are grieving too, you are not alone. We met Kevin a few weeks ago and he caused a great impression in my family.“What a great young man you brought up, so proper and polite. He will be with us forever.”Kizziie Akeila wrote: “Kevin this still DON’T feel real. We all miss you. I can’t believe it. You said you would see me tomorrow. I’m going to miss your smile.”Police said yesterday there doesn’t appear to be any suspicious circumstances but an autopsy is anticipated and inquiries are ongoing.

Kevin Ledo's 13-year-old sister, Victoria, made this collage as a tribute to her brother.
Kevin Ledo
Family tribute: A memorial to Kevin Ledo, 18, lies in the bedroom of his family home after he lost his life on Christmas Eve from an electrical shock in a landscaping accident. (Photo by Mark Tatem)