Punta Gorda Motorcycle Crash Leaves One Dead, One Injured

A late-night road traffic accident in southern Belize has claimed the life of a young man and left another injured, as police continue their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.  Authorities say the incident occurred last night around 10:23 p.m. along the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway, in the vicinity of the “Dollar Sign” area in Punta Gorda. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed three male individuals on the highway with visible injuries to their foreheads, along with a damaged black and red motorcycle.  The collision has claimed the life of 24-year-old construction worker Brenton Cofius who was driving the motorcycle towards Hopeville, with 39-year-old mechanic Carl Mangar traveling as a passenger. At today’s police press briefing, Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith outlined the details of the fatal accident.

Stacy Smith, Assistant Superintendent of Police: “Police are investigating a road traffic accident which led to the death of Brenton Coffius, 24 years of age of Forest Home Village and the injury of 30 year old Carl Mangar of Elridgeville. The investigation commenced on Sunday 19th April at around 10:23pm when Punta Gorda police were advised of an accident near the Dollar Sign monument at the entrance of Punta Gorda. The officers responded and upon their arrival they observed two injured male persons and a damaged motorcycle. What the investigation has thus far indicated is that both Mangar and Coffius were traveling on the motorcycle, Coffius being the driver, when upon reaching that area he lost control and collided into a tree. Both persons were rushed to the hospital for medical attention however Coffius succumbed to the injuries he sustained.”

Both men were transported to the Punta Gorda Hospital for treatment.  Despite medical efforts, however, Cofius was pronounced dead shortly before one o’clock this morning.  Mangar has since been treated and released from the hospital.