It was previously published via local media that Martin Ellis, a 68-year-old British National who was vacationing in Saint Lucia, had died of a suspected electrocution at the John Compton Dam in Roseau on August 16th 2019. The incident occurred at approximately 4:30 pm that day while Ellis was visiting the vicinity with his three sons.
In a press release issued by the Water and Sewage Authority (WASCO), it was stated that Ellis and his three sons were unfortunately able to access a restricted area at the dam which was blocked off with a chain at the driveway. It was also noted that Ellis and his sons had not obtained permission from the authorities to enter the compound.
In a press release, issued August 30th, by Anthony & Antoine Chambers, the sons of the late Ellis denied that they had entered a restricted area at the dam. The press release stated, “We do not accept that we accessed a clearly restricted area of the dam or that we were in any way notified before or on arrival that we had to secure prior permission to visit the site. Indeed, we were shown where to park so as not to be in the way of other vehicles on the site.”
It was further stated, “We hope that in time the facts leading to the death of our father will be established. We also trust appropriate measures will be taken to avoid similar tragedies in the future.” The sons aged 19, 16 and 14 along with their disabled mother who was in England at the time of the accident, also extended their appreciation to the people who assisted them in the aftermath of their ordeal. Namely, these are Anne Moy, who was working on the site at the time of the incident; the staff and management of St James Club Morgan Bay, in particular Alvin, the Duty Manager; Claire Coleman, from the Office of the British Government Representative; Michelle from AXA Insurance and John, a Representative of Tui Holiday.
The family also hopes for the return of Ellis’s wedding ring which might have been lost on the ambulance which conveyed him to Victoria Hospital or at the hospital itself. They have indicated that they would gladly pay a reward for its return. It is described as “A heavy gold ring with beaten white gold between slightly raised gold rims top and bottom.” Ellis was the Business Development Director of Jamm Print & Production, situated in the UK, at the time of his death.
Meanwhile, the cause of death for the late Martin Ellis was not available at the time of this report; however the investigation was reported to be ongoing. In an online news article by printweek.com, dated August 30th, it was quoted, “He is yet to be returned to the UK and a cause of death has not yet been confirmed.”
