Weeks after suffering severe burns during a confrontation at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland, Dacia Forrester has died while undergoing treatment in hospital. Forrester’s sister, Carol Blackwood-Hewitt, confirmed that she died at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James on Friday morning.
Forrester, 42, had been battling life-threatening injuries since she was set ablaze at the service station on February 19. Reports indicate that the situation began when a dispute erupted between Forrester and 30-year-old pump attendant Collate Swaby. During that encounter, the station’s manager reportedly intervened and asked Forrester to leave the property.
However, it is alleged that Forrester later returned to the location with her sister, and the disagreement reignited. Investigators say at some point threats were allegedly made by Swaby, saying that she would pour fuel on Forrester and set her on fire.
Reports say that a struggle broke out between the women, and Swaby sustained injuries to her eye and face. During the physical altercation, Swaby carried out the threat. Forrester suffered extensive burns that covered as much as 70 per cent of her body. Forrester had to be hospitalised, and Swaby was charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. She was later granted bail, and her next court date is set for April 16.
In the days after the attack, relatives and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with the cost of medical care as Forrester fought to survive her injuries. The Burn Foundation of Jamaica also reportedly coordinated efforts to secure emergency overseas treatment, with an air ambulance placed on standby in case she could be transferred.
Blackwood-Hewitt had previously made an emotional appeal while her sister remained hospitalised. “I don’t want to lose her. Her birthday is on the 26th of February,” she said shortly after the incident, expressing hope that Forrester would recover.
The case quickly sparked intense debate on social media, with some people claiming that Swaby had been acting in self-defence during the confrontation.