The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE Corporal Steven Duncombe died early Monday from injuries sustained when his motorcycle collided with a car on Prince Charles Drive while he was reportedly escorting a funeral, prompting tributes from senior government officials, colleagues and numerous others who knew the popular officer.

Duncombe, 37, was a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division.

Police said officers were alerted shortly before 2pm on Saturday to the crash and found a police motorcycle with extensive damage and Duncombe suffering from injuries.

According to police, Duncombe was travelling west along Prince Charles Drive when the driver of a Suzuki reportedly turned right onto Garden Road, resulting in a collision.

The Suzuki, driven by a man with a female passenger, was also damaged. Police said the woman reported suffering head injuries.

Emergency Medical Services personnel treated Duncombe at the scene before taking him to hospital.

An urgent appeal for blood donations was circulated on social media over the weekend as he remained hospitalised.

Despite medical efforts, Duncombe died shortly after 3am on Monday.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said he had seen Duncombe only days before his death.

“On Friday past, I saw Steven for what would be the final time,” Mr Davis said. “As we went our separate ways, I thanked him for his service and saluted him. I could never have imagined that it would be the last time I would see him.”

Mr Davis described Duncombe as a “good and decent man” who carried himself with “dignity, kindness and a quiet commitment to service”.

“Life gives us no warning when a simple goodbye will become a lasting memory,” he said. “I am grateful that our final exchange was one of respect and appreciation.”

North Andros MP Leonardo Lightbourne said Duncombe’s death was a deeply personal loss because his younger brother had known the officer for years and regarded him as “a brother from another mother”.

“We will miss his laughter, his friendship, and the joy he brought into our lives,” Mr Lightbourne said.

He said Duncombe served with dedication in the Traffic Division and went beyond his duties.

“His passing reminds us how fragile life is,” Mr Lightbourne said.

Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Leslia Miller-Brice also paid tribute to Duncombe, describing him as a “stellar gentleman” and “a first-class officer”.

“His dedication, professionalism and kindness will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched,” Ms Miller-Brice said. “His service and the way he carried himself speak to the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind.”