The stretch of King’s Street in downtown Kingston, where neighbours once lined up for evening ice-cream, is now marked by grief following the sudden death of 46-year-old Tamara Manning. Manning, who operated a small ice-cream shop along the busy roadway, died on February 15. She was seated at her usual spot in front of her business place when two motor vehicles collided, causing one of them to lose control and mount the pavement. The vehicle was captured on surveillance footage, mowing her down. The disturbing video has shaken the community, especially her family.
Manning’s mother, Maxine, expressed deep sorrow that she lost her only daughter. She described Manning as a jovial, kind and loving individual who particularly adored children. “I just can’t believe I lost my one daughter,” she said.
She explained that Manning has a son who lives overseas, and he also did not take the news of his mother’s death well. She noted that the loss was even harder because of the distance. “When I talk to him on the phone, he cries,” she said, adding that he ended the call and she had to give him some time to process the information before she called him again.
Maxine spoke about her daughter while fighting back tears. She said Manning had built her life around her small business, which she operated mainly in the evenings. It had become a regular stop for families, particularly on Sundays.
Her mother said Manning had owned the shop for years and operated it every day. She added that her daughter loved her business dearly. What saddened the mother even more was the fact that Manning was on the sidewalk and not in the roadway at the time of the incident. She called for accountability, but it is unclear what will happen at this time, as the matter is being investigated.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Gary McKenzie explained that they are following the standard procedure for all serious motor vehicle collisions. He said the matter is being assessed by detectives to determine exactly what happened and whether any of the drivers can be held criminally responsible. The matter will be transferred to the Clerk of Court if fault cannot be clearly established.
Meanwhile, residents in the area remain shocked by the incident. An elderly woman said she is in disbelief that funeral arrangements are now being made for Manning just a few days after Manning had her hair done for someone else’s funeral. Another resident, Ashanti, described Manning as a second mother. She said Manning was loved by many in the area, and the video of her death was very painful to sit through.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, residents also questioned the condition of the road. They believed that the potholes in the road may have played a role in the crash. According to the residents, the road had been damaged for a long time. After the incident, some of the potholes were filled.