[UPDATED] Fatal crash along Buenos Ayres Main Road — Mom dies on her birthday

THE Happy Valley Road community in Erin was plunged into mourning by the news that a 52-year-old resident was killed in accident on September 26 – hours after she celebrated her birthday with family and friends at her home.

The home of Sacha Richardson rang out with song and laughter as she celebrated her birthday. At 6.30 pm, Richardson, her husband and their 21-year-old daughter left to drop off Richardson's sister home in Point Fortin.

Police said the white Toyota Fielder that the family was in, skidded along the Buenos Ayres Main Road which was wet following midday showers.

The car struck on oncoming vehicle and the impact sent the three women flying out of their car and into a precipice some 20 feet away from the point of impact. Richardson was later pronounced dead at the scene by the district medical officer while her daughter and sister were rushed to the Point Fortin Hospital where up to press time they were said to be in a serious condition.

At the family home yesterday, relatives were trying to process the tragedy that befell them. Relatives said they did not know where Richardson's husband was.

Richardson's uncle Simeon Singh said he was unable to speak about the loss as he was trying to keep his hypertension in control.

Neighbours said Richardson was a kind, easy-going woman who was committed to her family.

"This rocked the whole village. We didn't sleep last night because we were all in shock. Everyone along the road knew her and her family. It's sad to hear that she gone too soon," neighbour John Lawrence said.

Lawrence's wife, Janice Simon, said she was only now beginning to speak again after hearing the news on the evening of September 26 but is still trying to process it.

"She celebrated her birthday, she gone to drop her sister home to come back, your mother waiting on you to share food," Simon said.

Their daughter, Stacy Simon, said Richardson was a pleasant person who always found a moment to share a laugh with neighbours, family and friends. Simon said it was an especially difficult time for her as she recently lost another friend who lived down the road.

Another neighbour, Chanyia Reid, said she was in a state of disbelief.

"I didn't believe it happened because I saw her the day before...I was in shock when my cousin called me and say Sacha had passed."

The neighbours said they are also worried about the state of Richardson's daughter and sister. They said Richardson's daughter is a special needs individual who requires specific care which was provided mainly by Richardson.

Neighbour Anthony Charles, 65, who said he has been living behind Richardson's home since 1996, recalled that she would always welcome him over and they would often chat, lime and share jokes.

"I will always remember that. She was a very nice girl. I have nothing bad to say about her," Charles said.

When Newsday visited the Buenos Ayres Main Road where the accident took place, a passer-by who asked not to be identified said while she was unsure of what exactly transpired but added that there were frequent accidents along this stretch of road.

"When you coming from the junction, coming down by WASA, that road comes down a steep hill and plenty cars tend to run off the road and end up in the bush at the side. Investigations are ongoing.

This story was originally published with the title "Erin mother dies in crash on her birthday" and has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.

WHAT began as a day of celebration ended in tragedy for an Erin family when a car crash claimed the life of 52-year-old Sacha Richardson on her birthday.

Police said Richardson, along with her 21-year-old daughter and a 50-year-old Point Fortin woman, were occupants of a white Toyota Fielder wagon driven by her relative. Police said enquiries revealed while travelling along the Buenos Ayres Main Road around 6.30 pm, the wagon allegedly spun out of control along the wet road and crashed into the front of a Nissan Serena travelling on the opposite lane.

The three women were thrown from the vehicle before it came to a stop on a precipice about 20 feet from the roadway.

Police said when they got there, they found the three women lying on the ground with injuries to their faces. Richardson's daughter and the Point Fortin woman were taken to the Point Fortin Hospital.

Richardson was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by district medical officer Dr Archee.

Police are continuing enquiries.