An autopsy has been conducted on the body of Nevis’ first road fatality victim for 2026. The island recorded the fatal traffic accident (road fatality) on Monday, June 22^nd, at approximately 9:10 p.m., which claimed the life of Mr. Keshawn Merchant, of Pond Hill, Nevis.

The examination was performed on Tuesday June 30^th at the Alexandra Hospital’s morgue by resident pathologist, Dr. Adrian Nunez. Dr. Nunez concluded that Mr. Merchant’s cause of death was severe injuries to the head and chest sustained as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Mr. Merchant was riding motor scooter PB3431 from Pinney’s towards Charlestown along the Island Main Road. Upon reaching the vicinity of Old Hospital Road, he reportedly lost control of the scooter and collided with a concrete wall situated on the mountainside of the roadway.

Police officers responded to the scene and found Mr. Merchant lying motionless on the roadway. The scooter sustained extensive damage, consistent with a high-impact collision.

In the wake of this, it sparked criticism on social media and allegations suggesting that police officers were involved in the incident. Lawmen debunked the rumours and said there is “no evidence to support these claims.”