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Driver accused of Tofficah Thompson’s death for 2012 trial

Thompson was pursuing an Associate Degree in Human Services at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Wendell Varlack, the driver who allegedly caused the death of a college student in April 2010, will stand trial on February 13, 2012 – close to two years after the tragic accident.

Varlack, 58, made an appearance in the High Court on Monday December 12, 2011 before Justice Indra Hariprashad-Charles. He is facing manslaughter and causing death by reckless driving charges.

The trial is expected to take one week.

The death of Tofficah Thompson, a 22 year-old Jamaican national and H. Lavity Stoutt College student, sent shockwaves throughout the community when she was struck down by a vehicle driven by Varlack on the public road around 8 p.m. on April 13, 2010 in the vicinity of the college.

She succumbed to her injuries at the Peebles Hospital on April 30, 2010.

Varlack was reportedly heading in an easterly direction. A blood sample was taken from him to analyze if he was inebriated, this news agency understands.

And since the tragic accident, calls have been made by concerned residents for lighting in the area.

Meanwhile, Varlack is currently on $60,000 bail and is represented by Patrick Thompson.

8 Responses to “Driver accused of Tofficah Thompson’s death for 2012 trial ”

  • Jack (14/12/2011, 08:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this whole thing is so sad!! and still nothing has been don with the road
    • saying (14/12/2011, 09:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The place dark as midnight no bright light they need to go take down them light they have in Green Land field and put them up by the college for real no joke
      • xcuse (14/12/2011, 13:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
        the NDP could have do some work on that area instead of all that $$$$$ spend on a parking lot in Town and on Cline big contract....same old just diffrent faces deman
  • College Student (14/12/2011, 09:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Them did the airport fast but them taking forever to do something about the road by the college. These kids don't seem to know they aren't to be on the side of the road in the dark where nobody can't see them and them does be crossing the road on their phone and dress in dark clothes, we as drivers can't see someone crossin especially when another vehicle lights are shinnin in your eyes. Those are the wrong lighting for that area
    • saying (14/12/2011, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Ok then go up green Land field in the night when they have on them lights you will see that they belong at the college they brighter than day itself
    • a friend (16/12/2011, 16:19) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      The past Minister for C&W worked quick on the airport because a native died and at the college its was an outsider a (JA). That's how I see it. sorry for being so blunt.
  • x out (15/12/2011, 00:05) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    RIP MS. T
  • concerned for safety (15/12/2011, 08:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This area is an area of high use by motorists and pedestrians as well. The speed limit should be lower in this area (legislation required) and there should be clearly marked cross walks with lights shining on the crosswalks at night to enhance vision, pedestrians crossing signs at various lengths along this stretch of road. Maybe even the addition of speed bumps as when cars come off the hill the drivers seem to think they have now reached a race track. Or maybe an secure bridge could be built linking the two sides of the streets thereby pedestrians can walk over the road instead of on it. Thoughts would have to be given to the height of the bridge to accomodate some of the tall vehicles in the territory. Yes we are facing economic hardships but one life lost is too much expense that can never be repaid to the territory and more so to the relatives of any past or future victim. God help us all to be vigilant when crossing or driving on the streets as both motorist and pedestrians are sometimes at fault.


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