Bird bush tragedy - Tragic bird-shooting incident claims life in St James

A bird-shooting trip turned deadly on Saturday when a hunter lost his balance, causing his loaded weapon to discharge and fatally shoot one of his aides, killing him.

The incident, which is reportedly being treated as death by misadventure by the police, took place at 'bird bush' in Spot Valley, St James. The deceased has been identified as Marlon Antonio Davis, a wood carver from the Cary Park community, who was also known as "Nash."

According to police reports, the incident took place around 6:30 a.m. as Davis was participating in a bird shooting activity with a group of individuals when explosions were heard. It is alleged that a licensed firearm holder within the group accidentally discharged their weapon, striking Davis under his armpit. The injured man was immediately transported to the hospital but, despite efforts to save him, Davis succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

Davis' mother, Nora Walters, opened up about the tragic incident that robbed her of her last of four children.

"The doctor dem try fi save him, but the scatter shot dem destroy him organs dem," she said.

The wailing mother said Davis was always of assistance in her time of need.

"Mi tell him bout mi light bill and him seh him nuh have no money but him a go a bird bush, and him wi get some money fi help mi," she said.

The 2024 game bird shooting season began on Saturday and will run for six weekends. It closes on September 22. Walters told THE STAR that this is not the first time that her son is serving as an aide to a hunter during the shooting season. She said that his participation last year was cut short after he sustained in injury while trying to retrieve birds that were shot.

"Right now him have steel in him foot. A one year now him bruk him foot a bud bush and now him dead a bird bush," the grieving mother said.

She told THE STAR that her son has left behind a 15-year-old daughter. Up to press time yesterday she had not spoken to her granddaughter about the tragic incident.

"Mi nuh know what mi fi seh to har," Walters said as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Him nuh live fi see him daughter go back a school September, oh Jesus! Marlon gone, oh God," she wailed.

Deborah Chin, Davis' common-law wife, described him as a loving and jovial man. Similarly, Orville Williams, a long-time friend, said that in addition to being a gifted wood carver, Davis made a mean jerk fish.

"He was such a jovial and fun-loving person. I will miss his jerk fish and happy personality," Williams said.