A case concerning the tragic death of 65-year-old Donna Punch, a resident of Lot 40, Alness Village, has been dismissed after a financial settlement of $4,475,000 was reached.
On October 5, 2025, at approximately 9:45 AM, Donna Punch was struck by a motor lorry driven by 35-year-old Divindranauth Seeram. Following the accident, Seeram was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
On Monday, Seeram appeared before Her Worship Magistrate T. Hardy at the Whim Magistrate’s Court, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge. During the proceedings, Seeram, who was without legal representation, informed the court that he had reached a financial settlement with Donna’s family. The settlement, totaling $4,475,000, was arranged with a family representative, Leroy, who also did not have a lawyer present.
After verifying the legitimacy of the agreement, Leroy was called to the witness stand and confirmed his acceptance of the settlement. With the matter officially resolved, Magistrate Hardy discontinued the case, resulting in the charges against Seeram being formally dropped.
According to reports, Donna and her husband had recently exited a street on the northern side of the Alness public road and were standing by the roadside as they prepared to attend a church service. At that time, Seeram was driving motor lorry GAJ 4955 westbound along the southern lane when both right-side rear wheels detached. The vehicle subsequently struck Donna as she stood at the northern corner of the road.
The impact caused Donna to fall onto the grass parapet, resulting in severe head and body injuries. Concerned bystanders quickly came to her aid and transported her to the Port Mourant Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead by a doctor upon arrival.
The settlement marks the conclusion of a sorrowful chapter for the Punch family, who faced an unimaginable loss.
