A beloved member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force has lost his life following a devastating road collision over the weekend, leaving the nation’s law enforcement community and political leadership in mourning.
Thirty-seven-year-old Corporal Steven Duncombe, assigned to the force’s Traffic Division, died in the early hours of Monday from critical injuries he sustained when his police motorcycle struck a passenger vehicle on Prince Charles Drive. The crash occurred as Duncombe carried out his duties escorting a funeral procession, according to initial police accounts.
Emergency responders received the first alert about the incident shortly before 2 p.m. on Saturday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found Duncombe with severe trauma and his police motorcycle heavily damaged in the impact. Investigative preliminary reports outline that Duncombe was traveling west along Prince Charles Drive when the driver of a Suzuki sedan turned right onto Garden Road, triggering the head-on collision between the two vehicles.
Both people inside the Suzuki, a male driver and a female passenger, survived the crash, though the vehicle sustained visible damage. The female passenger reported experiencing head injuries following the impact, and received medical attention alongside Duncombe.
Emergency Medical Services teams stabilized Duncombe at the crash site before transporting him urgently to a local hospital for urgent care. As the officer remained in critical condition over the weekend, a widespread public call for blood donations was shared rapidly across social media platforms, with hundreds of community members stepping forward to attempt to save his life. Despite all aggressive medical interventions and the outpouring of community support, Duncombe succumbed to his injuries shortly after 3 a.m. on Monday.
In the days following his death, senior government and political figures across the country have shared heartfelt tributes honoring the fallen officer, remembering his commitment to public service and warm character. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis shared that he had spoken with Duncombe just two days before the crash, in what would be their final interaction.
“On Friday past, I saw Steven for what would be the final time,” Prime Minister Davis said. “As we went our separate ways, I thanked him for his service and saluted him. I could never have imagined that it would be the last time I would see him.”
The prime minister described Duncombe as a “good and decent man” who carried out all his responsibilities with “dignity, kindness and a quiet commitment to service”. “Life gives us no warning when a simple goodbye will become a lasting memory,” he added. “I am grateful that our final exchange was one of respect and appreciation.”
North Andros Member of Parliament Leonardo Lightbourne also shared that Duncombe’s death hit close to home for his family, noting that his younger brother had a long, close friendship with the officer, describing Duncombe as “a brother from another mother”.
“We will miss his laughter, his friendship, and the joy he brought into our lives,” Mr Lightbourne said. He added that Duncombe served with unwavering dedication in the Traffic Division, and often went above and beyond the requirements of his role to support his community. “His passing reminds us how fragile life is,” Mr Lightbourne said.
Leslia Miller-Brice, the country’s Minister of Culture, Arts and Heritage, also paid respects to Duncombe, calling him a “stellar gentleman” and “a first-class officer”. “His dedication, professionalism and kindness will be remembered by the many people whose lives he touched,” Ms Miller-Brice said. “His service and the way he carried himself speak to the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind.”