May 31, 2009 — A nine-year-old boy died Saturday evening after falling out the back of a pickup truck his grandfather was driving.
Rasean Sanderson and two other minors were sitting on a tool box in the back of the truck, along with a 42-year-year old man. The pickup was driving on the east end of St. Thomas and, as it turned the corner near the Buddha Bar in Estate Frydenhoj, Sanderson slid off the left side of the tool box and into the roadway, striking the side of his face, according to a V.I. Police Department news release. He was taken by ambulance to the Schneider Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
VIPD's Traffic Investigation Bureau is looking into the incident, but until the investigation is finished, it's unclear whether police will issue any citations, the release said.
While extending his condolences to Sanderson's family, designated Police Commissioner Novelle Francis Jr. discussed the department's support of a bill sponsored by Sen. Wayne James and recently passed by the Senate banning passengers in the back of pickup trucks except during special circumstances, such as parades. An amendment tacked onto the bill during Friday's full session also exempts taxi drivers — or "vehicles for hire" — from the restriction. (See "Broke Or No, Senate OKs Raft Of Appropriations.")
"We are working alongside the Senate to change the laws regarding riders in the back of pickup trucks," Francis said. "It is very sad to know that this innocent boy had to die to highlight the risk parents and guardians take when placing their children in the backs of moving pickup trucks."
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