A candlelight vigil was held for the late Ryan Adams on Thursday, November 14, 2019. It was held in the area of Duff's Bottom area where Mr Adams became a victim of a hit and run accident on October 23, 2019. Photo: VINO/Team of Reporters

Some of the persons at the candlelight vigil in memory of Mr Ryan Adams. Photo: VINO

The motor scooter Ryan Adams was riding when he became involved in an accident on October 23, 2019. Photo: Team of Reporters

Last night November 14, 2019, as many motorists passed the area at Duff's Bottom where the accident occurred they slow tooted their horns, flashed their lights or offered a consoling word to the many youths gathered there for a candlelight vigil.

The Tragedy

Ryan Adams, 20, was a member of the Advent Heartbeats Drum Corp. He died hours after he was run down by a flatbed truck while riding a motorcycle. The driver of the truck had fled the scene but later surrendered to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). It was discovered the truck driver was unlicensed.

The vigil was attended mainly by members of the Advent Heartbeats Drum Corps, close friends and relatives. They spent some time in laughter and tears as they recalled their time with Adams.

One young man was inconsolable as he knelt on the ground in tears, “Ryan you my boy you know, you my boy Ryan. How I going make it without you? We did everything together my boy, you always had my back my boy, you look out for me and I look out for you. Ryan please come back and let us know that you are not gone for real,” he cried.

Life of the band

Others described the late Mr Adams as, “the life of the band”.

“He was the liveliest person in our church, in the band. He was the “hype man” in our group and we still can’t believe that he not with us here now. Things will never be the same now that he is gone. There is absolutely no one that can replace Ryan. He was unique in every way,” said one of the members.

According to another close friend of Adams, “I keep looking around for him. Until now I feel like he just gone some place and will return soon. I can’t believe that he is dead for real... he will come practice and be in church,” said the young lady and she broke into tears.