Sat | Mar 7, 2026

Woman set ablaze in Westmoreland gas station brawl dies

Published:Friday | March 6, 2026 | 10:34 AM
 Dacia Forrester
Dacia Forrester

Dacia Forrester, who was set on fire during an alleged altercation at a gas station in Westmoreland in February, has died, her sister, Carol Blackwood-Hewitt,has confirmed

She was pronounced dead on Friday at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James.

Blackwood-Hewitt declined to comment further.

Forrester had reportedly suffered third-degree burns over 70 per cent of her body during the incident on February 19 in the community Whithorn.

Relatives had launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund her treatment, while the Burn Foundation of Jamaica had coordinated overseas emergency support, including an air ambulance on standby.

"I don't want to lose her. Her birthday is on the 26th of February,” said Blackwood-Hewitt about her sister in an emotional appeal a day after the incident.

Thirty-year-old pump attendant Collate Swaby, has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Swaby, who is on bail, is scheduled to return to court on April 16.

The case triggered major heated discussions online as persons alleged that Swaby was defending herself.

Three women were facing criminal charges, the police said in a statement on February 23.

- Corey Robinson

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.