ST. THOMAS — One tourist lost his life while another was injured following a vehicular accident here on Thursday, V.I.P.D. Public Information Officer Glen Dratte and Sakeeda Freeman, the force’s media specialist confirmed to this publication Saturday morning.
Police also arrested a woman who they say struck the two victims, and charged her with vehicular homicide on Friday.
A police report provided to this publication registers the incident as occurring at about 3:08 p.m. on Thursday. Officers with the V.I.P.D’s Investigation Bureau were dispatched to Frenchman’s Bay Road near the Tramway, responding to an auto collision report involving two pedestrians.
Upon arrival to the scene, officers made contact with the two victims — Wolfgang Goldammer, who was lying on the ground and Monika Goldammer, who was sitting on the curb, the latter being comforted by a resident. The couple, who were married, were passengers from Germany aboard the Royal Princess cruise ship, which was docked at the West Indian Company (WICO) dock, according to Mr. Dratte. Mr. Goldammer was also bound to a wheelchair, and was being aided by his wife when the accident occurred.
Police say both victims were transported to the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital’s emergency room via ambulance for treatment, however, Mr. Goldammer succumbed to to his injuries.
According to Mr. Dratte, police arrested 27-year-old Jehrelle Warner, whose vehicle, a Dodge Caliber, struck the tourists. Ms. Warner did not abandon the victims, however. She stayed on the scene and was interviewed by police, Mr. Dratte said.
The Victim’s Advocate was notified and members of the Department of Tourism were also present at the emergency room.
Ms. Warner was charged with vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle without a driver’s license and negligent driving. She was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections after failing to make bail of $25,000, according to Mr. Dratte.
Police say the matter remains under investigation.
Feature Image: Royal Princess Cruise Ship
Tags: cruise ship, royal princess, st thomas, tourists, us virgin islands, vehicular homicide