Mother, Father, and Daughter Among Four Killed in Claxton Bay Highway Crash
CLAXTON BAY, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO — A devastating traffic collision late Friday night along the Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway has left a family shattered and a community in mourning. Four people — including a mother, father, and their young daughter — were killed in the tragic accident, which occurred around 10:00 p.m. near the Claxton Bay flyover on May 31st, 2025.
The violent crash involved a white Hyundai Creta SUV, registration PDY 8181, which police say lost control while heading southbound. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Steve Elder of Lakpathia Trace, Las Lomas #1, Cunupia, was among the four victims who died at the scene. Authorities believe Elder lost control of the SUV, causing it to flip multiple times before coming to a rest on the shoulder of the highway. The vehicle was left extensively damaged, with debris scattered across both lanes.
A Family Lost
In the aftermath of the crash, investigators confirmed that Elder was accompanied by 41-year-old Kizzy J. Cato of Upper Erica Street, Laventille — presumed to be his partner — along with a young female child and another adult woman. All three passengers in the rear seat perished in the accident, including the child, who is believed to be the daughter of Elder and Cato.
The identities of the second adult female and the child have not yet been officially released pending notification of next of kin, but sources close to the family have indicated the group was returning from a social event earlier in the evening. All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene by the District Medical Officer and later removed to the San Fernando General Hospital mortuary by Nicholas and Son and Ragbir Funeral Home.
Sole Survivor Hospitalized
One passenger — an unidentified male seated in the front passenger seat — miraculously survived the crash but sustained severe injuries. Emergency Health Services (EHS) personnel transported him to a nearby medical facility for urgent care. His condition was last reported as critical but stable. Police are hoping to interview him once he is medically able, as he may hold key details about what led up to the deadly incident.
Response and Investigation
The response to the accident scene was swift. Officers from the Couva Police Station, including Ag/Cpl Deonanan, PCs Maurrien, Bridgemohan, and Charles, as well as W/Cpl Charles and PC Wilson, secured the area and assisted with the rescue and recovery efforts. Firefighters from the Savonetta Fire Station also responded, using hydraulic tools to access victims trapped inside the mangled vehicle.
Crime Scene Investigators WPC Fonrose and PC Dadoo of the Central Division processed the wreckage and collected forensic evidence. The SUV was later towed by Balchan Wrecking and is being held at the Couva Police Station for further examination. Preliminary reports suggest that speed may have been a factor, though police have not ruled out mechanical failure or driver fatigue. Toxicology tests are expected to be conducted as part of the standard post-mortem examinations.
W/Cpl Charles is spearheading the investigation, which is ongoing.
Shock and Sorrow Ripples Across Communities
News of the accident has reverberated through the communities of Cunupia and Laventille, where Elder and Cato were known and respected. Relatives, friends, and neighbors described them as a devoted couple and loving parents. The young girl, who was preparing to begin the new school term in September, is being remembered by teachers and peers as bright and cheerful.
“This is a heartbreaking loss,” said one neighbor in Laventille. “They were a quiet, humble family. To hear that all of them are gone… it’s just too much.”
Community members gathered throughout Saturday to comfort one another and offer condolences, while clergy from local churches visited relatives to provide spiritual support.
A Grim Reminder Ahead of Holiday Travel
The tragedy has prompted renewed warnings from authorities and road safety advocates about the dangers of speeding and late-night travel, especially as the country enters a season of public holidays and long weekends.
“This accident is a terrible reminder of how quickly lives can be lost on our highways,” said one senior officer from the Central Division. “We are urging all drivers to be vigilant, obey speed limits, and avoid driving when tired or impaired.”
In 2024, over 120 people lost their lives on Trinidad and Tobago’s roads, with speeding and reckless driving cited as leading causes. With the recent Claxton Bay incident, 2025’s fatality count has already taken a disturbing turn.
Looking Ahead: Autopsies and Funeral Arrangements
Autopsies for the deceased are expected to be conducted early this week at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James. Meanwhile, funeral arrangements are pending as families await official identification and the release of the bodies.
Authorities have asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who has dashcam footage from the area around 10:00 p.m. Friday to contact the Couva Police Station or Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS.
As the investigation continues, Trinidad and Tobago mourns another tragic loss on its roads — one that has not only claimed four lives but extinguished the future of a young child and shattered a family forever.