Mother grieves for only son killed in Mandela Ave smash-up

– 2nd accident victim identified

When Helena Thomas’s son informed her that he was just going out for a few minutes, it did not occur even in her wildest imagination that he would never return.

However, the unthinkable happened on Sunday evening around 18:00h when her only son, 31-year-old Leon Wilkins met his demise in an accident on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.
Speaking with Guyana Times on Monday, the grieving woman was stunned by her son’s sudden death. She recalled his every move throughout Sunday.
“Leon came from work in the morning and he went and bathe, made tea for me in the morning and we had breakfast. We had a couple minutes of sleep and then he carry this bus to the wash bay to get it washed. He went later to collect the bus and after, he said he’s going at the ATM to withdraw his rent. …[then after what feels like] not even a split second, somebody tell me he get into an accident coming back,” Thomas recounted.
In that moment, the woman said she had a feeling that he would not survive.
“When they come and tell me, I asked them if he died. They said ‘no’ and I said ‘yes’. They asked how I know and I said ‘I’m his mother and I know he’s dead’,” the distraught woman shared.
In tears, Thomas described her son as a very hardworking person. She said despite the fact that he lived a few houses away, they would spend a lot of time together.
“He’s very hardworking. He doesn’t get into problem with nobody. The whole world could talk. I’m his mother. He’s my only son. He does be here most of the time. I can’t say how I feel right now.”

According to initial reports, Wilkins, of Lot 56 B Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was riding his motorcycle, heading north on Mandela Avenue, when he collided into a pedal cyclist, who was attempting to cross the road at the time.
The impact of the collision resulted in Wilkins, along with his bike, sliding for another 100 metres and coming to a halt in front of the entrance of the National Gymnasium. Both men were picked up by first responders and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Wilkins was pronounced dead on arrival.
After receiving news of the accident, Wilkins’ relatives and close friends rushed to the hospital, where they confirmed their worst fears.
Meanwhile, the pedal cyclist who was involved in the accident was identified as Seon Cook, of Arapaima Avenue, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown. He remains in stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. (G12)