Sharon Thompson, 45, a Gleaner/Star vendor, who died after being hit by a mini bus along Bay Road, Little London, Westmoreland, yesterday.

WESTERN BUREAU:

Every weekday Sharon Thompson walked religiously between Little London and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, pushing her trolley selling The Gleaner and Star.

It is a trek that would usually take her about two hours either way and no matter how hot the sun was, it never deterred her. Those used to her contagious smile will no longer see it, as Sharon was killed in an accident along Bay Road in Little London, yesterday.

Her death left many of her colleagues saddened. This was evident, as they grouped up and sat on a wall in front of Manning's High School in Savanna-la-Mar. They never spoke.

cried openly

Desrene Dawkins could not contain her emotions and cried openly. "I believe I am the last person she talked with this morning. Mi call her early and ask if The Sunday Gleaner come yet," she said, as she continuously wiped her eyes.

Police said about 6:05 a.m. Thompson was pushing her trolley on the left side of the road when a brown Toyota Hiace travelling in the same direction hit her from behind. The impact was so severe, fragments of the headlight smashed and splintered along the roadway.

Colman Brown, drive, 39, reported that a car travelling in the opposite direction, swung in his path and he swerved to avoid a collision. The Savanna-la-Mar police have charged Brown with causing death by dangerous driving.

Donna Ferguson, a cook from Little London, remembered how pleasant and dedicated Thompson was. "She was always very early in the mornings. She walks back and forth between Savanna-la-Mar and Little London every day. We really miss her," Ferguson said.

Thompson left five children and other relatives to mourn her death.

The area along Bay Road, Little London, Westmoreland, where Sharon Thompson was hit by a mini bus yesterday. She succumbed to her injuries. - Noel Thompson photos