A tragic morning in Maskall Village has left a family grieving and a community in shock. Eighteen-year-old Triston Ortiz lost his life in a devastating road traffic accident on Sunday. Police say Ortiz was a passenger in a Toyota Hilux driven by thirty-four-year-old Gilbert Graham when the vehicle lost control and slammed into a bridge. Sadly, Ortiz didn’t survive the crash. Tonight, we take a closer look at what happened and what police are saying about the incident.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“On Sunday twenty-second June 2025 at around five-thirty p.m. police responded to reports of a fatal road traffic accident that occurred at Old Belize River Bridge located in Maskall Village. In the course of responding, police met a pickup truck where Triston Ortiz, an eighteen-year-old Belizean of Maskall was observed with visible injuries to the body. Ortiz was ferried to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital; however, he later succumbed to the injuries sustained. Initial investigations reveal that at approximately five o’clock a.m. Oritz was in a Toyota Hilux which was being driven by Gilbert Graham, a thirty-four-year-old Belizean when upon approaching the Old Belize River Bridge the truck collided on the railing of that bridge causing the truck to fall about twenty-feet into the riverbank. Police has detained Graham and a urine sample has been taken from him.”
Sixteen-year-old Terrel Cardines was simply riding his bicycle to the store when his life was cut short—fatally struck by a Floralia bus. His death has left residents outraged and grieving, reigniting concerns about speeding drivers and the dangers of navigating areas near the highway. Today, we spoke with the Minister of Transport, Doctor Louis Zabaneh, about what’s being done to make these roads safer—and whether this tragedy could finally be the wake-up call for change.
Britney Gordon
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Last year, Belize saw an alarming spike in deadly road traffic accidents, more than ever before. That alarming trend sparked public outcry, with many calling for tougher traffic laws and better enforcement. And while the government has stepped up highway checkpoints, a recent crash along the George Price Highway is shining a light on another serious concern: road infrastructure. In places like Hattieville, where homes sit just off the highway, residents say simply getting around can feel like a life-or-death risk. Today, we spoke with the Minister of Transport, Dr. Louis Zabaneh, who says the government is now working on strategies to make roads safer, especially for cyclists.
Louis Zabaneh
Dr. Louis Zabaneh, Ministry of Transport
“This is the tragedy of underdevelopment and that’s why we have to do things like we’re working on so that we can have more resources to do things better. I want to commend our Minister of Infrastructure Development, who in this project, going on the on the George Price Highway, they’re considering now the shoulders, you need to have shoulders so that you can have bicycles on the shoulders. We know that on the Western Highway, George Price Highway, we have cyclists, our cyclists who train right for all the races that occur throughout the year, Holy Saturday race, et cetera. And we know as drivers how it could be quite dangerous. You have to have a certain level of empathy to the rider so that you’re not blowing them and because they’re in front of you. So a number of things are needed. So you need to have those shoulders, those riding lanes in the villages. So that people can be safe.”
Tyrel Cardines
Britney Gordon
“On Thursday, just before eleven a.m., a young man lost his life on this very highway sixteen-year-old Tyrel Cardines was on his way to the store on his bicycle when he was suddenly struck by a floral bus. It is alleged that Cardines rode into the path of the bus and the driver was unable to avoid him. But what you may not know is that just up ahead, there are three rumble strips meant to slow drivers down before they arrive at the curve. But are drivers actually slowing down?”
When there’s no traffic officer in sight, what’s keeping drivers from speeding? According to Minister of Transport Dr. Louis Zabaneh, the answer is simple—speed bumps. He says these traffic-calming tools are a key part of the government’s road safety strategy, especially in areas where constant enforcement isn’t possible.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“It’s a highway and then have the appropriate speed bumps where they need to be once it’s within the village to make sure that you control the speed and then the enforcement, the enforcement that is, as I talked about earlier, that is lacking. And we have to accept that these are things that have to be improved. And I, again, as I said, I’m pleased that CEO Williams is there now working very hard on the side of enforcement, on the side of training. So that we could do these things.”
While Zabaneh acknowledges the need for more development, he is calling on all drivers to take responsibility and hold themselves and others accountable on the road.
Dr. Louis Zabaneh
“And then for the buses for the drivers to be better trained so that they know where speeding limits and we have to put up the signage, right. This is thirty miles an hour. And then as a country, we have to start obeying law. If you see thirty people just fly through. You have stop signs. People just fly through the light red sometimes and people just cut in front of you. These are things now that as a nation for this to work. And that’s why I appealed everywhere I go that for things like this to work, we have to come together and change the bad habits that we’ve developed over the years.”
He is appealing to the public to call out unsafe driving habits among family and friends. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Tonight, heartbreak grips the Hattieville community following the tragic loss of a young life along the George Price Highway. Sixteen-year-old Tyrel Cardines, a student of Gwen Lizarraga High School, known for his faith and love for his community, was struck and killed by a Floralia bus while riding his bicycle. The impact threw him onto the pavement, causing fatal injuries. Tyrel’s sudden death has left his family and neighbors in mourning, and it’s also reignited public concern over road safety and the responsibility of drivers on our highways. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this devastating incident and the growing calls for accountability.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
Tragedy struck just before eleven this morning near mile sixteen on the George Price Highway. Sixteen-year-old Tyrel Cardines, a young student riding a bicycle, lost his life in a devastating collision with a Floralia bus. The impact threw him onto the pavement, causing fatal injuries that have left a community in mourning. As the police continue their investigation, Assistant Superintendent Stacy Smith shares more details about the heartbreaking incident.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“Police have issued a notice of intended prosecution Salazar the driver of a U-Town bus belonging to Floralia Bus Company that was involved in a fatal traffic accident, which claimed the life of sixteen-year-old Tyrel Cardines. A student of Hattiville Village, Belize District, the accident occurred at approximately 10:30 AM today, nineteenth of June, 2025, between miles sixteen and seventeen on the George Price Highway. Initial investigation revealed that Cardines was riding a bicycle from the direction of Hattieville to Belize City and it is alleged that he abruptly made a left turn onto the highway into the part of the bus that was traveling to Belize City when the fatal collision occurred. Police investigation continues.”
Tyrel Cardines was on his way to the store when he was hit. Long-time family friend, Therese Jacobs, was one of the last people to see Tyrel alive.
Therese Jacobs
Therese Jacobs, Family Friend
“He said Nana, I’m going to the store. Go buy something. I said, okay, we’ll buy something for me. And he went to the store. So I was here, didn’t expect, you know, someone going to my gate and he said, Ms. Therese do you know Tyrel? I said, yes. I said he just went to the store and he just did his hand. When I went out there, I see the crowd, and I said, no, no, no, no. You know, but I didn’t expect it. I didn’t expect it.”
Just hours before the fatal accident, Tyrel was spending time with friends from church, enjoying the kind of carefree moments every teenager deserves. He was expected home later that day to attend a graduation with his family. But sadly, he never made it. His mother, still reeling from the loss, says Tyrel was adored by everyone who knew him, a kind soul whose absence is already deeply felt.
Marilee Cardines
Marilee Cardines, Mother of Deceased
“My baby kind, loving, humble. Da wa loving person. Dat da why everybody love ah. Cause he sweet. Everybody da aunty and uncle. So when he see you do come he di come with lotta love and kisses. Mi love, da he name for me, mi love.”
As the Hattieville community continues to mourn the tragic loss of sixteen-year-old Tyrel Cardines, his mother is speaking out, not just in grief, but in a call for change. She says Tyrel wasn’t a reckless rider. He was careful, always looking both ways before crossing the highway. Now, she’s urging the traffic department to step up enforcement of road safety traffic laws, hoping no other family has to endure the pain she’s now facing. Her plea adds to growing public concern over accountability on our roads.
Tyrel
Marilee Cardines
“Traffic need fi get down pan ney buses and ney bus driver cuz ney no got wa care. You know how much people life ney have inna ney hand everyday? Lotta people. This da no di first time. My son da no the only one weh get knock down there. Bout five more people from Hattieville get knock down right da dat same spoke sake of careless driver. When ney come round dat curve ney come and da and da speed so ney no got time fi stop.”
The third-form student was an active member of his community and church. Jacobs described Tyrel as having an overflowing amount of love to share.
Therese Jacobs
“He joined me after with devotion, and he said, nana, I have two mother. I said, aha?. He said, I have my mom. And I have you, I said, nuhuh, you have your mom and you have your nana. And he laughed and he put his hands around me and he kissed me. And that brings back strong memory to me because of who he is and words. Some of his last words was, Nana, I love you.”
Although Marilee is grieving, she is determined to be brave for her two small children and work through the heartbreak together.
Marilee Cardines
“It just hurt. You back your baby inna your belly fi nine months. You go through the pain fi have ah, you go through the pain as a single mother fi raise your baby. And somebody just cime tek a weh like that, It hurt, But I have to be strong fi mind my next two baby cause da no only he one. I have to be strong fi the next two.”
Tyrel’s death dealt an indescribable blow to his loved ones, but his family is finding comfort in Tyrel’s dedication to his faith and the years he spent spreading kindness and love to all who knew him. Britney Gordon for News Five.
Several witnesses provided reports of the incident.
The traffic lights at one of Belize City’s busiest intersections, Vernon Street and Central American Boulevard, are out of service once again. This marks the second time this year the lights have malfunctioned, and earlier today, the outage led to a collision between two vehicles just before noon. We spoke with Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller, who explained the cause of the latest breakdown and what’s being done to fix it. According to Miller, the city is working to restore the system as quickly as possible to prevent further accidents and traffic chaos.
Eluide Miller
Eluide Miller, Deputy Mayor, Belize City
“This time it has been caused by the major thunderstorm that we experienced last week Wednesday. The power surge caused one of the four cards in the system’s motherboard system to blow and we realized this during an inspection done the following morning, Thursday of last week. Since then we have been working with the technical people bringing in the necessary card. That part is scheduled to be in country this Friday. We anticipate that by the end of the day on Friday the light should be operational again. As you have highlighted this seems to be some recurrent, but each time it is beyond the control of the council. We are looking at measures to put in place to avoid this happening in the future. We are reviewing the option of adding power surge protectors. While it is the light is down, we do have traffic officers on the site at the intersection from six forty-five a.m. to six p.m. from Monday to Friday during the week. On the weekend e even have officers from eight a.m. to five p.m. and they assist traffic flows during peak hours. When the traffic is a bit lighter you will notice them observing or monitoring from a bit of shade. I also understand there was an incident earlier today at this very intersection. I must share that report has revealed that one of the motorist was using a mobile device while driving, which is illegal. So it is really important to clarify that the absence of a functioning light does not excuse reckless driving.”
Tonight, heartbreak grips the village of Bella Vista, where a family is mourning the devastating loss of two siblings. David and Sidney Montenegro were tragically killed in a road traffic accident over the weekend. The pair had just been enjoying a swim in Medina Bank when their journey home took a fatal turn. The vehicle they were in veered off the road and crashed into a roadside drain. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. A third passenger, Asucion Tush, survived and was rushed to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. News Five’s Britney Gordon has the details.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
What started as a joyful Saturday outing ended in heartbreak when siblings David and Sidney Montenegro were killed in a car accident. The two had spent the day swimming in Medina Bank with David’s former high school teacher, Asucion Tush. But on their way home, things took a tragic turn. According to police, the driver lost control of the vehicle, which veered off the road and crashed into a ditch. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith is expected to share more details as the investigation continues.
Stacy Smith
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“This accident resulted in the death of siblings Sidney Montenegro, twenty-one years of age, and Juan David Montenegro, twenty years of age, as well as the injury of Mr. Asucion to when police responded to the scene of the incident. A brown in color, pickup truck was observed. So far, the investigation has revealed. That the vehicle containing the occupants and being driven by Juan was heading from Medina Bank towards Bella Vista Village, where upon arriving at the aforementioned location, the driver lost control of the vehicle causing it to flip several times the scene of the accident has been processed and an inspection is slated to be carried out on the vehicle to ascertain.”
Reporter
“What, if any, clarity it can provide in relation to the cause of the accident?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“We do not have any clear indication of that so far. However, we can confirm that alcohol bottles were seen were viewed on the scene.”
The crash happened at mile fifty-one on the Thomas Vincent Highway, just a short drive from the Montenegro family’s home in Bella Vista. At the time, Ninoska Montenegro and her husband were relaxing at home, completely unaware that their world was about to change. Then came the devastating call: their children had been in a terrible accident.
Ninoska Montenegro
Ninoska Montenegro, Mother of Deceased
“I got off my motorcycle. I was scared and nervous. I felt like someone threw a bucketful of cold water over me.”
As soon as they heard the news, Ninoska Montenegro and her husband rushed to the crash site. What they found was every parent’s worst fear—Sidney, David, and their teacher, Asucion Tush, lying outside a wrecked pickup truck. Tush was still alive and was quickly taken to the Southern Regional Hospital for treatment. But for Sidney and David, it was already too late. They were pronounced dead at the scene. What makes this even more heartbreaking, David had just graduated high school the day before. He was the first of four siblings to reach that milestone.
Ninoska Montenegro
“He was such a happy one, like his name, Juan David; he was a Don Juan, and girls loved him and he always aspired to do better. .”
David Montenegro had plans to return to Costa Rica, to study civil engineering, a step toward building a better future for himself and his family. His sister, Sidney, was already making waves in Belize’s football scene. Since 2023, she had been a standout player for the Sagitun Girlz, earning praise for her skill and determination. The Football Federation of Belize even recognized her as a rising star, and she was set to represent the country in the upcoming Central American Football Union tournament this July. Her mother shared that no matter how many knocks or injuries Sidney took on the field, she never wanted to quit. Football was her passion, and she gave it everything she had.
Ninoska Montenegro
“She cried and begged me to allow her to continue playing football. She told me, Mom, I don’t give you any issues with boyfriends, drugs, or anything like that, all i ask is to please allow me to continue playing.”
On the day of the incident, David and Sidney had met up with group of friends to go swimming. Before leaving, Ninoska encouraged them to remain safe, as she typically did. She never imagined that would be the last time she’d see her two children alive.
Ninoska Montenegro
“Whether it was David who was driving or the owner of the vehicle, the responsibility is always on the owner of the vehicle because David did not have a license. I don’t have a problem if there’s a good teacher-student relationship, but I consider that it is not appropriate to have those types of relationships outside of the institutions..”
Ninoska Montenegro says her children made mistakes just like everyone else, but still deserved to come home to their family at the end of the day.
Ninoska Montenegro
“They were dynamic kids, happy and fun. Yes, they made mistakes, and they had their mischievous phase in their adolescence, but we always managed to get through it together.”
In the wake of their heartbreaking loss, the Montenegro family is speaking out. They’re now advocating for safer roads across Belize and urging everyone to buckle up, no matter how short the trip. Their message is simple but powerful: seatbelts save lives. Britney Gordon for News Five.
More details to come as the investigation continues.
A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on San Andres Street in Orange Walk Town over the weekend. What began as a peaceful Saturday night for one family quickly turned into a nightmare. Shirley Bell had just returned home from church and stepped outside for some fresh air when she heard a vehicle speeding down the street. Moments later, that same vehicle struck her son, Steven Bell, and his girlfriend, who were riding a motorcycle just outside their home. Steven died at the scene. His girlfriend was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, where she remains hospitalized. The driver of the SUV, Heidi Chan, has since been served with a notice of intended prosecution, signaling that formal charges may soon follow. Tonight, we hear from a grieving mother, eyewitnesses, and police investigators as the community searches for answers in the wake of this devastating loss.
Isani Cayetano, Reporting
Shirley Bell had just returned home from a church service and stepped outside to enjoy the evening air. But what she heard next would change her life forever—a vehicle speeding down San Andres Street, its engine roaring through the night.
Voice of: Shirley Bell, Mother of Deceased
“When I hyah da vehicle di cohn unda speed, I seh mein da who di drive soh crazy? And by the time I look soh da because ih done knock dehn from back on, right.”
She couldn’t have imagined that the very sound she heard was the same vehicle that would moments later strike her son and his girlfriend, who were riding a motorcycle just outside their home.
Shirley Bell
“Ah sih when di person fly up and drop. I neva know da mi son. Da when wahn next bwai pass and tell mi, “Mommy, da Steven.” When I run, and he run out, ih di tek ih last breath. And di next gial weh mi deh pan di cycle, di owner ah di cycle ih knock ahn before ih knock she way eena di corna.”
The impact was devastating. Her son, Steven Bell, lost his life at the scene. His girlfriend was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, where she remains hospitalized. Neighbors and loved ones are still reeling from the shock, and questions remain about what led to the deadly crash.
Shirley Bell
“Di girlfriend, ih knock ahn eena di corner and she stuck eena di big cement drain. So dehn had to tek she out and put ahn eena ambulance and ker ahn, but all da while my son, ih noh mi di move cause ih dead pan di spot. Ih entire, ih whole body bruk up.”
Police investigations are ongoing.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“The police responded to the scene of an accident on San Andres Street in Orange Walk Town where Mr. Bell was observed in an unresponsive state and exhibiting varying degrees of injury to the body. Also observed in the area that was designated as the scene of the accident was a Lifan motorcycle which bore damages and an SUV. What the investigators have so far ascertained is that Bell was the pillion rider of the motorcycle when the collision occurred between that cycle and an SUV.”
In the wake of the fatal crash, Heidi Chan has been served with a notice of intended prosecution. This legal notice signals that authorities are preparing to formally charge Chan in connection with the incident.
Shirley Bell
“Dehn done come and tek statement and thing because I tell dehn I mi deh out ya when ih happen and di lawyer just come. Ih seh dat dehn wahn tek care ah di funeral and thing, but ih still leff to be seen.”
Police investigations are ongoing, and we’ll continue to follow this story closely as more details emerge. Isani Cayetano for News Five.
Police have formally arrested and charged twenty-year-old Jose Funez in connection with the death of sixteen-year-old Denver Jackson. The fatal incident occurred on May twenty-fifth, when the two were riding a motorcycle near the Santa Elena Bridge. According to investigators, Funez lost control of the motorcycle, causing it to slam into a lamppost. Jackson, who was riding as a passenger, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after. Assistant Superintendent of Police Stacy Smith confirmed that Funez was under the influence at the time of the crash, a revelation that has only deepened the heartbreak for Jackson’s family and the wider community. Funez now faces serious charges as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, loved ones are left mourning a young life cut tragically short.
ASP Stacy Smith, Staff Officer
“As it relates to the investigation of Denver Jackson, the sixteen-year-old male minor, police, formally arrested and charged Jose Funez a twenty-year-old Santa Elena town resident for the crimes of manslaughter by negligence and causing death by careless conduct, as well as the offenses of using a motor vehicle not covered by third party insurance, using a motor vehicle that was on license and drove motor vehicle without due care and attention as well as driving a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit. He was arraigned before the San Ignacio Magistrate court on the aforementioned charges.”
Reporter
“So alcohol was the main factor in the incident?”
ASP Stacy Smith
“We cannot conclusively say that it was the main factor. However, the investigation has disclosed that mister Funez was under the influence at the time of the incident.”
Tonight, heartbreak grips the community of Ladyville as a family mourns the tragic loss of Celia Carballo, a mother of four who was killed in a devastating motorcycle crash over the weekend. The accident happened on Sunday, when Celia and her boyfriend were thrown from their motorcycle after a violent collision with another rider. The crash has not only left a family shattered but has also raised serious concerns about road safety for motorcyclists. News Five’s Britney Gordon has more on this tragic story and the growing calls for action.
Britney Gordon, Reporting
What started as a simple run to the store ended in heartbreak for a Ladyville family. On their way back home Sunday night, Celia Carballo and her boyfriend, Francisco Cortez, were just about to turn onto Marage Road when their motorcycle was suddenly hit by another rider. The crash was violent—and tragically, Celia didn’t make it.
Dorita Witzil
Dorita Witzil, Friend of Deceased
“At this moment, I can’t even digest it yet because I cannot believe. I just find out like fifteen minutes ago that it’s she. Earlier this morning, I just knew that that she was in an accident. I didn’t know that she passed away until a while ago. And it’s hard for me, just to find out something like that. And I just spoke to her on Saturday. And she was fine and good.”
Celia Carballo hadn’t lived in Ladyville long, just a few years with her boyfriend, Francisco Cortez, and one of her daughters, but in that short time, she made a big impact. She built strong friendships and became a familiar, friendly face in the community. One of those friends, local bakery owner Dorita Witzil, is still trying to process the loss. She describes Celia as a fighter who faced life’s challenges head-on and never lost her spark. Now, she’s heartbroken that her friend’s journey ended far too soon.
Dorita Witzil
“She’s a happy person regardless of what she’s going through. She’s very happy, regardless of her daughter or not here. She’s happy with her daughter that is here, this mother one with her.”
Dorita Witzil found out about her friend’s death in the most heartbreaking way. She hadn’t heard from Celia that morning, so she went over to check on her, only to be met with the devastating news. Just days earlier, they had spent the evening together, laughing and chatting like usual. Dorita had no idea it would be the last time she’d see her friend alive.
Reporter
“What was your last interaction with her like?”
Dorita Witzil
“It was good, normal. That’s why it’s hard to believe Saturday she was here laughing and I supposed to see her early this morning, but it didn’t happen. And that’s why that’s the concern when we never see her early this morning.”
At this time, Cortez remains hospitalized. Britney Gordon for News Five.
More details to come as the investigation continues.
A tragic accident has claimed the life of fifty-three-year-old Raymond Belgrave, a well-known driver for the Belize City Family Court. The fatal crash happened late Monday morning, May twentieth, along the Philip Goldson Highway in the Orange Walk District. Around 11:20 a.m., police responded to reports of a traffic accident between miles fifty-one and fifty-two. When officers arrived, they found Belgrave unconscious behind the wheel of a badly damaged Foton Tunland pickup truck. Investigators say he lost control of the vehicle, veered off the road, and slammed into a fence. Belgrave was rushed to the Northern Regional Hospital, but sadly, he was pronounced dead on arrival. His sudden passing has left a deep void among his family, friends, and colleagues, who remember him for his dedication, loyalty, and years of service.
A tragic accident this morning claimed the life of a dedicated public servant while he was on the job. Raymond Belgrave, a well-known driver for the Belize Family Court, was killed in a crash along the Philip Goldson Highway in Orange Walk. Belgrave was on official duty, driving a government-issued Foton pickup truck, when he reportedly lost control just before a roundabout. The vehicle flipped and slammed into a nearby fence, landing on the opposite side. The impact proved fatal. Belgrave’s sudden passing has left family, friends, and colleagues in shock. Many have taken to social media to share their grief, remembering him as a dedicated worker and loyal friend. The tragedy comes just months after the Belgrave family mourned the loss of Raymond’s brother, Elwin Belgrave.
