James Leitch, 34, an overseas-based Guyanese, was killed on Thursday night when the Nissan vehicle he was driving crashed into tractor trailer, in the United States.
He was the son of Guyana Chronicle employee, James Leitch, who is in deep state of mourning. According to the US report, Leitch, of Atlanta, Georgia, was killed Thursday evening when he pulled out from Cowan Road onto Ga. Highway 81, into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer.
The truck hit the driver’s side of the vehicle, killing Leitch on the spot, according to Georgia State Patrol, spokesman Gordy Wright.
The truck then hit a guy-wire, or tension cable, attached to a utility pole. The driver of the truck was taken to Newton Medical Centre for treatment.
The dead man’s mother, Yvonne Leitch, of 8 Charles Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, was inconsolable yesterday as she fondly spoke of her son, who surprised her with a visit in November last year, when it was her birthday. It was the last time she saw him. He spent one week in Guyana.
The grieving woman told the Guyana Chroncile that she received the news of his death on Friday via a telephone call.
He was the eldest of seven other children born to the Leitches.
James Leitch had migrated to the U.S. about 11 years ago.
His father described him as a generous individual, who loved his parents and family and always telephoned to enquire of the others here in Guyana.
A wake was held at his mother’s home last evening and funeral arrangements are yet to be decided on.