Ocean Academy Athletes Left in Coma Following RTA

The Caye Caulker Ocean Academy High School is reeling from a tragic accident involving its boys’ basketball team. On Friday, the team was on their way to Orange Walk for a regional tournament when their vehicle overturned due to a blowout. There were twelve passengers on board, mostly teenagers. Thankfully, most of them have been treated and released from the hospital. However, five students remain hospitalized, with two in a coma. This heartbreaking incident has sparked a wave of generosity, with businesses and residents from across the country contributing to fundraisers to cover medical expenses. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on this story.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

Tragedy struck the Caye Caulker Ocean Academy’s boys’ basketball team on Friday as they were on their way to represent their community. Fresh off a victory against San Pedro High School, the team was heading to Orange Walk for the regional championship when their van experienced a blowout and overturned. All twelve occupants, mostly teenagers, sustained injuries. Two of the students are currently in an induced coma, including eighteen-year-old Alexander Bainton. His mother, Nikita Marin, shared with News Five, “As a mother, my only goal is to be there for my son. We need prayers for a miracle which God is preparing for my son.” She added that Alexander, who is a fisherman, basketball player, open water certified diver, volleyball player, and honor student, did not suffer any broken bones but needs a CT scan.

 

The high school provided an update on Sunday night, stating that of the twelve people in the van, six were treated and released on Friday, one went home today, and five remain hospitalized. Two are in recovery, while three are in critical care, including the two in comas. The school is consulting with doctors both locally and internationally to ensure the best possible care for recovery, especially for brain and spinal injuries. The incident has sent shockwaves through the Caye Caulker community, sparking a viral fundraiser movement. Belizean-American Lee Vanderwalker launched a campaign that has already raised twelve thousand U.S. dollars for the team’s medical expenses. The community’s support is a beacon of hope during this difficult time.

 

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker, Fundraiser Director

“I saw the news story, I read that and I know some of them, I know the coach and some of the young boys on the team. I know their families and I saw a message out about eleven o’clock that night from Elizabeth Usher and she is my neighbor and I have known her for twenty-four years. She asked if I could open my accounts so fundraising could start for these boys because there were four in critical condition and they needed this money really fast.”

 

Vanderwalker has made it easy for donors from outside Belize to contribute by providing access to several accounts like Venmo, PayPal, and CashApp. She keeps the donor list and donation amounts updated regularly. Here’s the latest list of generous contributors.

 

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker

“Overnight several thousand dollars came in overnight. The fundraising has continued to the point now that as of last night my report was that we had raised over twelve thousand U.S an then we continue to get more donations today. So people want to help, they want to help.”

 

In addition to Vanderwalker’s efforts, several businesses on the island have committed to giving a hundred percent of a day’s proceeds to the fundraising effort. The Caye Caulker Town Council has kicked off its own local fundraising campaign to support the injured students. Meanwhile, the school has assured that students are receiving professional counseling to help them through this tough time.

 

On the Phone: Lee Vanderwalker

“Caye Caulker people really step up and help each other. I have seen this happen over and over and over again.”

 

Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.

 

Police are yet to issue an official report on the accident that occurred.