A devastating fatal traffic collision on Belize’s TV Ramos Highway has left one local man fighting for recovery, while claiming the lives of two other people — Taleenie Garbutt and Sherri Mejia. Now, the family of surviving victim Walton Garbutt Jr. is reaching out to the broader community for urgent support, launching an appeal for voluntary blood donations to aid his ongoing medical treatment.
Walton Garbutt Sr., the victim’s father, shared in an interview that his son has already received two units of blood following the crash, and recently underwent a complex surgical procedure to treat severe injuries to his knees. With the patient’s blood type confirmed as O positive, Garbutt Sr. explained that additional transfusions are likely needed in the coming days as his son continues to recover in hospital.
Despite the gravity of the incident, there is a small positive update on Garbutt Jr.’s condition: during a visit on the morning after his surgery, Garbutt Sr. confirmed his son remained conscious, calm, and able to hold conversation with him.
Members of the public who wish to donate blood specifically for Garbutt Jr. can do so at the blood bank housed in the Diagnostic Centre building in Kings Park, Belize City. Donors are requested to bring their donation receipt to the hospital ward where Garbutt Jr. is admitted to ensure the contribution is logged under his name. The family also noted that the appeal extends beyond Garbutt Jr.: his best friend, another survivor of the same crash, is also injured and expected to require surgery, and any support is welcomed for all other crash victims in need of assistance.
For any additional inquiries about the donation process, community members can reach the Garbutt family directly at the contact number 625-2305.