‘Shortish’ killed in Gasparillo

THE family of a 45-year-old man who died after being struck and dragged by a truck on Saturday is appealing to witnesses to come forward and tell the police what they saw.

Relatives of John Thomas, of Caratal Road, Gasparillo, made the appeal since they believe that his death was not accidental. However, the 45-year-old driver of the four-tonne Hyundai truck, told police in a statement that around 7 pm, Thomas was attempting to cross the Caratal Road when he was struck. He died on the spot. Police have taken statements from several witnesses and are continuing investigations. Thomas, also known as “Shortish,” was employed with S&N Caterers, and was not married and had no children. When Newsday visited his home yesterday relatives claimed that for the past week, a man whom John knew, had been threatening to “bounce him (John) down.” His brother, Simon, said Thomas had gone by a bar a short distance away from their home with a cousin. While at the bar, Thomas and the man were involved in another argument and the man again threatened to “knock him down.”

He said shortly after that, Thomas went walking when he was struck by the white truck and dragged about 200 feet under the vehicle. The driver went straight to the Gasparillo Police Station where he reported the incident. “We did not take the threats seriously because we thought it was just old talk but look what happen. John was a respected and good person,” he said. Simon added: “People who see, neighbours and friends, we are asking them to come forward and give an honest report; talk the truth. He did not deserve to die that way.” Sgt Balkaran of the Gasparillo Police Station is continuing investigations.