The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has found Diondre Samuel liable in negligence for the death of Jamaican national Lashauna Sheleta Bridgen, concluding a four-year legal battle and paving the way for her long-delayed repatriation to Jamaica. According to Antigua.news, the judgment was delivered in October 2025 by Justice Tunde A. Byer.
Bridgen, 29, a mother of two and a security officer residing in Antigua, was struck and killed on January 20, 2022, while crossing Friar's Hill Road near Jasmine Court. She had exited a vehicle moments before the collision. Investigators reported that Samuel was travelling at speed at the time of impact, with the force throwing Bridgen more than 100 feet.
Justice Byer found that Samuel failed to keep a proper lookout, take evasive action, or exercise reasonable care toward a pedestrian. The court also rejected arguments that Bridgen bore any contributory responsibility for the accident, assigning full liability to Samuel.
The civil ruling comes despite Samuel's acquittal in June 2025 on criminal charges of causing death by dangerous driving, after a jury determined the evidence did not meet the criminal standard of proof. The civil court, applying the lower threshold required in such matters, reached a different conclusion.
The estate's claim has been granted in full, with damages to be assessed at a later stage. Samuel's insurer will cover funeral-related expenses incurred locally, while Samuel remains personally liable for any compensation beyond policy limits.
Family members, represented by attorneys acting on instructions from Jamaican consular officials, had pursued the claim under the Fatal Accidents Act following the collapse of the criminal case. Bridgen's body is now scheduled to be repatriated to Jamaica on April 14, 2026.
Speaking after the ruling, Bridgen's brother expressed relief after years of uncertainty. "We are finally at a place where the family can breathe a sigh of relief," he said, acknowledging the emotional toll of the prolonged process.
With the civil matter now entering the damages assessment phase, the ruling provides both legal clarity and a long-awaited opportunity for the Bridgen family to begin the process of closure.
