Rest in Peace Alex Bainton

18-year-old Alex Bainton has tragically passed away after suffering severe brain trauma in a traffic accident last Friday on the Philip Goldson Highway. Bainton, a member of the Ocean Academy Basketball Team, had been in a coma since the crash.

Bainton was remembered as a bright and talented young man—a fisherman, honor student, basketball and volleyball player, and open-water certified diver. His mother, Nikita Marin, had made a heartfelt plea for help just days before his passing.

Meanwhile, Ocean Academy teacher Zane Zuniga remains in critical condition. Zuniga, who was driving one of the vans, sustained severe spinal injuries and is unable to breathe on his own. He is in urgent need of surgery available only in Guatemala, costing up to $50,000 U.S. dollars. His family is appealing for prayers and financial assistance.

The accident occurred when the van Zuniga was driving suffered a blowout and overturned, carrying 12 passengers. A second van, carrying the rest of the team, witnessed the horrifying incident. Another victim, 17-year-old Gilbert Teck, is in an induced coma at the K.H.M.H., suffering from spinal injuries and a broken femur.

The Caye Caulker community, still in shock, has rallied to support the victims and their families. The school had arranged the vans for the team’s journey after their arrival in Belize City by water taxi.

.