Antigua Court Finds Driver Liable in Lashauna Bridgen Death; Body to Be Repatriated After Four Years on Ice

Court finds driver liable in landmark dual-track legal case; body of Lashauna Bridgento be repatriated after four years

— In what legal observers describe as a landmark dual-track legal process, the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has found Diondre Samuel liable in negligence for the death of Lashauna Sheleta Bridgen, concluding a four-year case that moved through both criminal and civil courts before ultimately resulting in a legal victory for the family.

The ruling was delivered by Her Ladyship, the Honourable Justice Tunde A. Byer of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in October 2025 in Claim No. ANUHCV2022/0491, determined that Samuel failed to exercise proper care while driving and was responsible for the fatal collision that occurred on January 20, 2022, along Friar’s Hill Road in the vicinity of Jasmine Court. 

The decision clears the way for the long-delayed repatriation of Bridgen’s body to Jamaica. Bridgen, a Jamaican national residing in Antigua, was a mother of two minor children and worked as a security officer at the time of her death. 

Family representatives confirmed she is scheduled to be returned on April 14, 2026, after remaining in storage for four years pending the outcome of the civil legal proceedings.

According to the official police report dated May 17, 2022, Bridgen, 29, was struck while crossing Friar’s Hill Road after exiting a vehicle near Jasmine Court. Investigators reported that the driver of vehicle A2982, identified as Samuel of All Saints, was traveling at speed when the collision occurred. The impact threw Bridgen more than 100 feet, and she sustained multiple injuries before being transported to hospital, where she later died. The report, then concluded that the driver was “at fault and liable to prosecution.” 

However, despite the initial findings, criminal proceedings did not result in a conviction. In June 2025, a jury acquitted Samuel of causing death by dangerous driving, citing insufficient evidence to meet the criminal standard of proof.

However, the acquittal did not conclude the matter. Salomon and Simpson Attorneys-at-Law on the instruction of  the then Honorary Consul for Jamaica Dr Onika Campbell –Rowe continued through the civil courts, where the estate of Bridgenrepresented by AvagayHervelyn Cummings, acting on behalf of her mother Christine Evans, and her brother ChafrayChafralBridgen pursued a claim in negligence under the Fatal Accidents Act. 

In its judgment, the High Court found that Samuel failed in multiple aspects of his duty as a driver, including:

• Failing to keep a proper lookout 

• Failing to take evasive action 

• Failing to exercise reasonable care toward a pedestrian 

The court rejected the defense’s argument that Bridgencontributed to the accident and instead held that liability rested solely with the defendant. The claim was granted in full, with damages to be assessed at a later stage.

Insurance and compensation implications

As a result of the ruling, Samuel’s insurer is required to cover funeral-related expenses incurred in Antigua. However, the judgment also establishes that Samuel remains personally liable for any damages exceeding the limits of his insurance coverage, subject to the court’s final assessment. The estate’s claim includes special damages, general damages, aggravated damages, interest, and costs. 

Court records show that the family sought urgent interim relief in December 2022 to secure funding for storage, repatriation, and burial expenses. That application was denied at first instance. An appeal was subsequently filed, but the Court of Appeal dismissed the matter in May 2023, affirming the earlier decision and making no order as to costs. 

Legal advocacy, consular intervention, and administrative delays

Documents evidence in the case reflects sustained legal and consular efforts to advance the matter amid procedural and administrative delays. Salomon and Simpson Attorneys-at-Law, acting on behalf of the estate, played a central role in initiating and maintaining the civil proceedings, engaging insurers, and pursuing documentation necessary for both litigation and repatriation. Correspondence shows repeated formal requests for key materials, including police and coroner reports, which were required to progress the case. 

In parallel, Dr. Campbell-Rowe intervened at a consular level to facilitate engagement with authorities and to expedite access to critical documentation. Formal request submitted to thenCommissioner of Police Atlee Rodney in May 2022 highlighted delays in obtaining investigative records and sought urgent intervention to advance the matter.

A formal representation was also made to the then Director of Public Prosecutions for Antigua and Barbuda, Mr. Anthony Armstrong, respectfully outlining the procedural setbacks and delays being encountered in accessing critical documentation necessary to advance the matter. Particular emphasis was placed on the urgency imposed by the statutory limitation period governing fatal accident claims, and the potential prejudice to the estate should timely action not be facilitated. The correspondence sought the Director’s consideration and intervention to ensure that the investigative and administrative processes were sufficiently progressed to allow the estate’s attorneys, Salomon and Simpson Attorneys-at-Law, to properly initiate and pursue the civil proceedings within the prescribed legal timeframe. This engagement contributed to the matter moving forward, thereby enabling the continuation of legal action on behalf of the estate.

The appeals process formed part of the broader legal strategy pursued on behalf of the family, reflecting continued efforts to secure interim relief and maintain momentum toward final determination.

Four years on ice

Mounting public concern, visible frustration surrounding the prolonged period during which the body remained on ice, the matter was concurrently being advanced through less visible but critical channels. Quiet ongoing court proceedings and strategic legal negotiations continued within the framework of the justice system. Behind the scenes, coordinated legal maneuvering, procedural engagements, and institutional consultations were steadily progressing, reflecting a deliberate and structured effort to navigate both the legal complexities and administrative requirements necessary to bring the matter to resolution.

This delay in burial linked to unresolved legal, administrative, and financial matters left the family unable to complete final rites for four years.

A dual-track legal outcome

While the criminal court found insufficient evidence to convict, the civil court applying the lower standard of proof determined that Samuel was legally responsible for the collision.

The High Court’s finding of negligence establishes liability and opens the pathway for compensation to Bridgen’s estate and dependents. The matter now proceeds to the assessment of damages phase, where the court will determine the full extent of compensation owed to the estate. Meanwhile, the family prepares for repatriation and burial an outcome that, after four years, signals both legal resolution and the beginning of personal closure.

The outcome reflects the combined efforts of legal counsel, consular support, and institutional engagement over an extended period. Recognition is due to all parties who contributed to advancing the matter through the courts, facilitating documentation, and ensuring that the process reached its legal conclusion.

ChafrayChafralBridgen, brother of the deceased and co-representative of the estate, said the family is now “breathing a sigh of relief” after years of emotional strain and legal uncertainty.

“We are finally at a place where the family can breathe a sigh of relief. This process has not been easy it has been emotionally draining for all of us. For four years, we carried the weight of not being able to lay our loved one to rest, while dealing with delays, pressure, and the trauma that came with everything surrounding this matter,” he said, ‘long run, short ketch.’ Even though one arm of the law did not find him liable, a second arm of the law has now spoken clearly. Justice has been achieved in the long run.”

“The family would like to thank the hardworking, thorough and dedicated Counsels Salomon and Simpson Law Firm, and the former Honorary Consul for Jamaica to Antigua & Barbuda, Dr. Campbell-Rowe, for the sustained work they have put in through this emotionally charged process. He also, thanked everyone who have called or supported in any way through the most difficult periods. This has helped to bring justice and closure on behalf of our family.”

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