by Charles Gladden

WAUKEGAN, ILLINOIS, USA, Fri. June 2, 2023

A popular local barber from the Santa Elena/San Ignacio community of western Belize died as a result of severe injuries he received in a road traffic accident that occurred last Tuesday, May 30, in the United States. The deceased has been identified as 24-year-old Hiram Tillett.

Tillett was reportedly riding his motorcycle along with a female passenger onboard at around 10:00 p.m. on the night of the incident when, it is believed, he attempted to maneuver the bike through oncoming traffic and during that effort he collided with a Chevy Impala that was attempting to make a left turn at the same time.

According to authorities, the driver of the Chevy Impala was not injured and did not appear to be impaired, and it is currently believed that the accident was the result of the speed at which Tillett had been traveling—which, according to reports, exceeded the 45-mph speed limit in the area.

The impact of the collision caused Tillett to be flung over 100 feet away, and he landed against a fence in a wooded area, while his passenger landed on a grassy area about 75 feet away from the crash site.

Tillett sustained severe body injuries along with head trauma, and his female companion suffered severe leg injuries and suspected internal bleeding throughout her body. Both were airlifted to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

Tillett’s passing was announced by his father just before midday on Friday, June 2, via social media, which then was flooded with heartfelt posts from close friends and family.

Tillett had relocated to the US approximately 18 months before his untimely demise.

A GoFundMe account was created to raise the funds needed to transport Tillett’s body to Belize for burial.

He leaves behind a daughter.