Jamaican man dies in crash while reportedly trying to elude highway troopers in Florida
Published:Tuesday | May 20, 2025 | 3:07 PM
A Jamaican man on Saturday died in Florida in a motorcycle crash while reportedly trying to elude Florida Highway Patrol troopers.
The deceased has been identified as 27-year-old Craig Thomas, who resided in Goldbourn district in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew.
The crash reportedly occurred along the Front Beach main road.
Reports are that about 11:45 p.m., Thomas was riding a red Suzuki sport motorcycle along the roadway when troopers initiated a traffic stop.
He reportedly failed to comply and attempted to flee, but reportedly lost control of the bike, resulting in a crash that ejected him from the motorcycle.
Reports are that lifesaving assistance was rendered at the scene by troopers until personnel from Bay County EMS and Panama City Beach Fire Rescue arrived.
Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Gleaner obtained an arrest file, which shows that Thomas was arrested in the US in November 2024 for a misdemeanor.
According to multiple sources, including close associates who attended school with Thomas and someone close to the investigation, given his arrest, Thomas was trying to avoid coming into contact with agents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The US government has been conducting mass deportation of illegal migrants and immigrants who break the law since President Donald Trump began his second term in the Oval Office in January.
“Dem did lock him up last year fi marijuana possession among other charges,” a person close to the situation told The Gleaner.
“(I)…Drive pass the scene. Man body deh pon di grung under white sheet fi hours bro before dem tek him up,” the source said, while acknowledging it was heartbreaking.
Thomas attended Oberlin High School.
The police say investigations are ongoing.
- Andre Williams
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