The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE family of Nekeil Russell, a former national track athlete who was killed in a traffic accident in Freeport, is devastated and trying to cope with the unexpected tragedy.

Russell, a-36-year-old husband and father of two children, Kayla, 12, and NJ, 2, was only minutes away from his home in the Sunset Subdivision when the accident occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, July 2.

The Tribune spoke with Russell’s wife, Bernie, who said that losing her husband is very painful, especially since they are now in the midst of making funeral arrangements.

“It is hard for me to talk about him because every time I do, tears would come to my eyes,” she said.

Mrs Russell said that many family and close friends have been stopping by to offer their sympathy.

Russell’s mother and two sisters were also there to provide their support to the family.

“It is just so hard – we were very close,” said his sister, Nakera Belizaire. “My mother was not doing too well at all yesterday, but she’s a little better today.”

Russell, the eldest of three siblings, was described by his sister as a happy and humble person. She said they are still waiting on police to conclude their investigations so they can find out exactly how the accident happened.

According to police reports, the accident occurred shortly after 1am last Saturday on West Sunrise Highway, involving a white 2007 Ford F-150 truck and a grey 2006 Nissan Sentra, driven by Russell which was extensively damaged.

A blue and white bow was placed at the scene by the family.

Mrs Belizaire said that her brother was not one to speed while driving.

“We was so close to home and we are wondering how his vehicle ended where it was on the other side of the road,” she said.

Looking through a photo album of pictures, she said her brother was always smiling.

“He was also very generous and giving; everyone misses him dearly,” she said.

Russell, a native of Sea Grape, Eight Mile Rock, attended the Eight Mile Rock High School where he ran track, and was recruited to be a part of the Bahamas’ national track team.

Mrs Belizaire said that her brother was still into sports and played basketball. “He and some of the old players would come together and were planning on getting a team together this summer to play basketball.”

Russell was the third person killed in a traffic accident this year in Grand Bahama. A woman was killed in a traffic accident on the Grand Bahama Highway yesterday morning.