The community of Kwakwani in Region 10 is in mourning after a tragic accident claimed the life of 36-year-old Dave Causway on Tuesday.
According to his aunt, Elsa La Rose, Dave was transporting friends when they encountered difficulties climbing a hill. Dave, who was driving a heavily loaded vehicle, advised his friends to walk up the hill to lighten the load. He promised to follow with the vehicle.
“He said he would come behind with the vehicle and they walked up. After they realized he wasn’t coming, they decided to come back down. They met two other vehicles and asked if they had seen his car coming up. They said they only saw some vehicle in the bush, so everyone went back,” La Rose explained.
When they finally located the vehicle, Dave was missing.
“They only saw the vehicle and not the driver, so they started searching and found him trapped under the vehicle. That’s all we know,” La Rose said.
Dave died at the scene after becoming trapped beneath the vehicle. La Rose described him as a respected and humble individual, known for his significant contributions to youth development in Kwakwani through basketball.
“He was nice, very polite, especially to elders and youths because he was a coach,” La Rose shared.
She revealed that Dave made the National Basketball team at a young age and, after a five-year hiatus, returned to Kwakwani to form his own team, the Untouchables.
“What I know is he was loved in Kwakwani and everywhere he went. When they brought him out of the bush yesterday, the number of people present was too numerous to mention,” his aunt added.
The Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association released a statement honoring Dave, noting his roles as a member of the last Guyana junior national championship team, a club champion, a senior national player, and the founder and coach of his team.
“His love for basketball was immense; it was his passion and life’s work. He gave his heart and soul to the sport. Guyana has lost not just a great player and coach, but a man whose dedication and energy inspired many. His contributions to basketball in our country are immeasurable, and his legacy will forever be felt on and off the court,” the Association stated.
Following the news of Dave’s passing, there has been an outpouring of tributes on social media.
Jamal Nichols wrote on his Facebook page, “R.I.P to one of the best coaches in Guyana. One of the main men who encouraged me to pursue my basketball dreams and really inspired me to get better at the sport.”
Michael Singh also commented, “I met Dave when he joined the Colts Basketball Club in 2012. His speed, valiant play, and fearlessness were always evident. Under his watch, we worked long hours to solidify the team as a force in Guyana Basketball. He continued to work tirelessly to motivate and ensure Kwakwani Basketball, both at senior and junior levels, thrived. I will miss the constant calls, especially when he had a team traveling to the city for a tournament. I’m recommending Dave for the One Guyana MVP accolade; this son of the game deserves to be remembered now and forever.”
