by Charles Gladden

GUATEMALA, Mon. Aug. 14, 2023

While crossing the road en route to purchase some items from New Moon Store in Ladyville, Belize District, 40-year-old Glenda Estrada – who was 9 months pregnant – was hit by a vehicle, and has passed away this week in Guatemala over a month after the incident.

A now-deleted amateur video that was posted on social media by bystanders at the scene showed a severely injured Estrada lying on the pavement of the road, with her husband, Nelson Pech, at her side.

She was transported to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, where she gave birth to an infant son, but remained paralyzed on the right side of her body and unable to eat or speak, as a result of the accident.

Before Estrada’s passing, Pech made several pleas, which were broadcasted by the local media, for financial assistance for his wife, as her medical expenses at that point totaled $19,000. However, on Monday, August 14, Estrada passed away in Guatemala.

Amandala attempted to contact Pech, but he declined to comment on the passing of his wife. Her burial is expected to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 15.

It is yet unclear whether 44-year-old Jasmine Middleton, the driver of the vehicle that struck Estrada, will be facing charges, although she was served with a notice of intended prosecution.

Estrada leaves behind two other children along with her newborn son.