With $4.4 million settlement, fatal accident case discontinued

The Court case that had been ongoing following the tragic death of 65-year-old Donna Punch, a resident of Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was recently dismissed following a settlement of $4.4 million.

According to Police reports,  Donna and her husband, Leroy Punch were on the Alness Public Road heading to a church service on October 5, 2025, when the tragedy unfolded. At about 09:45 hrs,  both right-side rear wheels of a truck driven by 35-year-old Divindranauth Seeram came off, striking Donna as she stood at the northern corner of the road.

The impact caused Donna to fall onto the grass parapet, resulting in serious head and body injuries. Public-spirited citizens rushed to her aid and transported her to the Port Mourant Public Hospital; however, she was pronounced dead.

Following the incident, Seeram was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He pleaded not guilty when the charge was presented to him by Magistrate Tuanna Hardy in the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

During the proceedings, Seeram, without legal representation, indicated that he reached a settlement with Donna’s family for $4,475,000, arranged with Leroy, who also did not have a lawyer.

After the court confirmed the legitimacy of the settlement, Leroy was called to the witness stand, where he affirmed his acceptance of the agreement. With the settlement accepted and evidence provided, Magistrate Hardy officially discontinued the matter, resulting in the charges against Seeram being dropped.