Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed his deep condolences to Errol Anderson, the Jamaican father and grandfather, mourning the loss of six family members who died in a tragic car crash in Florida over the weekend.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media Tuesday, Holness revealed that he visited Mr. Anderson on Monday to offer personal support amid the family’s unimaginable grief. “Over the weekend Mr. Anderson received the devastating news that 6 members of his family overseas were travelling in a vehicle which collided with a semitruck, tragically killing all six persons. I can only imagine the deep pain and tremendous anguish this overwhelming loss has caused,” the Prime Minister wrote. “Yesterday I visited Mr. Anderson to convey my condolences as he and his family process and navigate through grief.”
Also pictured in the set of photos was Alando Terrelonge, Member of Parliament for East Central, St. Catherine.
Holness urged the nation to keep the family in their thoughts: “Let us hold these families in our hearts and cover them in prayer.”
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The fatal crash occurred Saturday afternoon in Osceola County, Florida, along State Road 60, just west of South Kenansville Road. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the victims were traveling in a 2024 Hyundai Tucson when the driver reportedly attempted to overtake several vehicles. The SUV lost control while re-entering the lane and collided head-on with an oncoming semi-truck. Both vehicles caught fire, and all six occupants of the Hyundai were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased include Anderson’s daughters, Andreil and Keiosha, their three young children—one of whom was just four months old—and their god-sister, Yahshea Mullings. The family had been en route to celebrate the third birthday of one of the children when the tragedy occurred. All three adults were Jamaican nationals, while the children were U.S. citizens.
The driver of the semi-truck sustained minor injuries and was transported to Indian River Hospital. The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the crash.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout both the Jamaican and Jamaican-American communities, prompting an outpouring of support and sympathy for the grieving family in Portmore, St. Catherine.
