10-year-old boy who died in Manchester crash buried

MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Tributes and tears flowed at the funeral service for 10-year-old Treavon Saunchez, who was buried Saturday at Mizpah Moravian Church in northeast Manchester. Treavon died tragically on September 2 in a two-vehicle crash that also injured his mother.

The accident happened on the first day of the new school year as Treavon’s mother, a police officer, was driving him to school. Treavon, a student at Christiana Chartered Elementary and Infant School, was about to start 6th grade when the tragedy occurred.

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During the service, his aunt, Rosemarie Saunchez-Barosy, delivered the eulogy and called Treavon a “spark of joy.”

“He excelled in his studies. Treavon radiated a light, curiosity and kindness beyond his years. He touched each of us with his kind heart; it seems impossible to describe his life in just a few words,” he said.

“Every moment he gave us is engraved deep in our hearts. Treavon was always curious and always trying to understand the world around him. “He asked questions that would make you pause, think and often laugh,” he added.

Paying tribute on behalf of Manchester Police Department, Assistant Superintendent Elsa Smith described the emotional impact Treavon’s death had on the force.

“It’s actually been a difficult situation for us. On September 2, the entire JCF family was thrown into a valley when we learned of Constable Crawford and his world Treavon’s traumatic experience. Some of us were angry, some of us were sad, some of us were confused. At Spalding Hospital, some shouted, some swore, some were left in shock and some even questioned God,” Smith said.

The grieving family of 10-year-old Treavon Saunchez sat in front of the casket containing his remains at Mizpah Moravian Church in Manchester on Saturday.

He assured Treavon’s mother of continued support from the police.
“We continue this journey with you. It was not an easy process. We stayed on this path and we will never leave you alone at this point. “We will continue to give you our unwavering support,” Smith said.

Chadwick Young, 31, a music producer and cooler maker from Main Street, Christiana, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the crash on the Sedburgh main road near Christiana.

Police said Young was also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and failing to obey a white line at all times.

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The case continues through the courts, and Smith noted that investigators are working to ensure the case is strong.

“I know from the traffic department that they are advancing their investigation and doing their work,” he said.

Many politicians, educators and students from Christiana Leased Elementary School attended the funeral. Treavon’s body was buried in Walderston, Manchester.

—Kasey Williams