Fatal ‘truck wheel’ accident case dismissed after $4.4M settlement

The court matter arising from the tragic death of 65-year-old Donna Punch of Lot 40 Alness Village, Corentyne, Berbice, has been discontinued following a multi-million-dollar settlement, reached between the accused and the victim’s family.

Punch lost her life on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in a freak accident while she was standing on the northern side of the Alness public road on her way to attend church with her husband, Pastor Leroy Punch. According to police reports, the couple had just exited a street north of the public road and were waiting by the roadside when the incident occurred.

Investigations revealed that a motor lorry, GAJ 4955, driven by 35-year-old Divindranauth Seeram of Ulverston Village, was travelling west along the southern drive lane when both right-side rear wheels detached from the vehicle. The wheels crossed the roadway and struck Donna Punch as she stood at the northern corner, causing her to be flung onto the grass parapet.

She sustained severe head and body injuries. Public-spirited citizens rushed to assist and transported her to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Following the incident, Seeram was arrested and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He appeared before Magistrate Tuanna Hardy at the Whim Magistrates’ Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When the matter was called recently, Seeram, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, informed the court that he had reached a settlement with the deceased woman’s family in the sum of $4,475,000. The arrangement was reportedly made directly with Pastor Leroy Punch, who also did not have legal representation.

The court subsequently verified the legitimacy of the settlement, after which Pastor Punch was called to the witness stand. Under oath, he confirmed that he had accepted the agreement on behalf of the family.

In light of the settlement and the evidence presented, Magistrate Hardy formally discontinued the proceedings, resulting in the charge against Seeram being dismissed.