Painful goodbyes to fallen cop Eric Evans

Constable Eric Davian Evans has been remembered not only for his dedication to serving his community, but for the warmth, love and selflessness that defined his life.

Evans, 30, who was assigned to the Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement Branch, lost his life on December 13, 2025 after his service motorcycle was struck by a Toyota Coaster bus along Goshen Road in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth.

At a thanksgiving service held on Sunday at the Oracabessa Seventh-day Adventist Church in St Mary, his widow, Vanessa Evans, stood before mourners with visible grief yet remarkable strength, as she honoured the life and love she shared with her late husband -- a man she described as her partner, her peace and the light of her life.

She shared that their love story began years earlier, back in grade eight at Oberlin High School. Like many young romances, it unfolded in stages, marked by growth, separation and rediscovery.

In 2016, they found their way back to each other. At the time, however, Vanessa had just begun nursing school and was clear about her priorities.

"I told him very clearly that my focus had to be my education, not a relationship," she recalled.

Faith, she said, eventually brought them together in a way only God could orchestrate. On May 26, 2023 they exchanged vows, trusting Him to guide their marriage. Their union was later blessed with the birth of their son, Amir Jamario Evans, a child she described as one of the greatest joys of their lives and a living reflection of their love.

"Alhough our son is only one year old and will grow up without his father physically by his side, he will grow up knowing exactly who he was," she said.

"He will know his father's kindness, his courage, his humour, and his heart through the stories we tell, and through the species of Eric that lives on within him," she added.

Evans, whom she described as her forever love, was more than a husband and father.

He was a presence -- a gift.

"Though his time with us ended suddenly, his spirit remains woven into every moment, every memory, and every prayer we hold close," she said.

Similarly, the words of his grieving mother painted a moving portrait of a son whose heart touched everyone he met -- a son whose memory, she said, will live on forever in those who loved him most.

"My dear son, it is still hard for me to understand how I am standing here talking about you. You were my world, my greatest gift, the heart of our family," she said.

The tribute from his mother, Denise Baxter, was read by a relative, as she is currently overseas.

Evans was described as kind, curious, creative and deeply caring. A past student of Oberlin High School, he excelled academically and pursued architecture at the University of Technology, harbouring dreams of building a better future not only for himself, but for others. He spent two years at the institution before financial challenges forced him to make a difficult and selfless decision: stepping aside so his sister, Davia, could complete her studies.

"You had a heart that wanted to help, to serve," his mother said.

That same heart, she shared, eventually led him to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Evans enlisted on January 20, 2018 and, according to his mother, wore his uniform not just with pride, but with courage, compassion and purpose.

In her tribute, Baxter said: "Whatever you touched, you gave your all.

"You were loved because you loved. You listened. You showed up. And you made people feel safe and valued."

She also shared moments of thoughtful messages, laughter and love they exchanged.

"December 13, 2025 will forever be etched in my mind. I called you that morning to say good morning...," she said, before sharing two voice notes her son had sent her. He had promised to call her later, explaining that he was working in St Elizabeth and the phone signal was poor.

It would be their final conversation, as "hours later became the worst day of my life", she said.

She recalled receiving a call from one of his sisters, Sasha, asking whether she had spoken to him that day. The mother said she had.

"Then followed the dreadful news. Davian had an accident and was rushed to hospital," she recounted. "I broke down, hoping and praying. But that was not to be.

"The call he promised did not come. My baby boy died that day.

"I will carry you every single day. I will speak your name. Davian Eric Dave Evans. I will share your story. I will honour your beautiful memory until my last breath," she said.