Family still reeling from tragic birthday outing

WESTERN BUREAU:

Nine days after the tragic death of 58-year-old customs officer Winsome Wynter at Yaaman Adventure Park, her family is still pondering whether her life could have been saved if she had received more timely assistance.

Wynter met her untimely demise in a freak accident last Monday at the Ocho Rios, St Ann-based attraction.

She was about to embark on an ATV ride when the vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a line of parked ATVs. It then toppled on to her after she was thrown off. She was subsequently pronounced dead at the St Ann’s Bay Hospital.

Wynter’s son, Richard Welds, recalled standing next to his mother and enquiring whether she could recall the verbal instructions to operate the unit. Before she could respond, tragedy struck.

“She (the instructor) turned on the ATV using the black knob that’s in front of the seat. She then pressed on the grey button on the left handle which made a sound alerting it’s turned on. The instructor then put the ATV into gear and in no time my mom sped off ... ,” he said, recounting the moments leading up to the tragedy, which unfolded on Wynter's other son, Jonathan Welds' birthday.

Richard criticised the operators’ emergency response time, deeming it excessively prolonged, and questioned their readiness and training for handling major incidents.

“They appeared frozen in shock, uncertain about the proper course of action. They conveyed that this type of incident had never occurred before. Regrettably, there was no designated emergency vehicle, and their sole medical aid equipment – the stretcher – became a source of uncertainty,” he remarked.

Despite evident bleeding from her nose and body, no first-aid kit was provided, according to Welds.

It was only after his brother’s persistent pleas for assistance that a staff member finally intervened to aid and transport Wynter to the hospital.

SLOW TO ASSIST

“Two staff members accompanied us to the hospital – a driver and an attendant in the back with my mother. However, the assistance process felt agonisingly slow, given the gravity and urgency of the situation,” lamented Richard.

The family is convinced that the attraction lacked the necessary readiness to handle such a crisis, adding that the stretcher was also faulty.

“Valuable time was wasted in procuring a replacement stretcher. My brother had to repeatedly request help and provide guidance to expedite the process. Additionally, there was no designated emergency vehicle,” stated Jonathan.

The family believes that although an instructor explained the theoretical operation of the ATV, the briefing was insufficient.

They also accused the attraction’s operators of insensitivity.

“The company’s treatment and disregard for the incident are profoundly disappointing. Business resumed as usual that day, even after being informed of my mother’s passing,” Jonathan said.

The family said that while a ‘Mr Brown’ from Yaaman instructed them to contact their insurance company for further action, they are yet to take that step as they are still mourning.

When contacted by The Gleaner for a response, Yaaman Country Manager Gonzalo Pacheco declined to comment on the matter.

“The authorities are investigating the incident and we cannot give any statement in this regard. We are deeply saddened by what happened. The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends during this difficult time,” he said.

Yaaman Adventure Park is operated by Dolphin Cove.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com