Update|Woman burned in Westmoreland gas station attack dies

Dacia Forrester, the woman who was set ablaze during a shocking confrontation at a gas station in Whithorn, Westmoreland last month has died after weeks of fighting for her life in hospital.

Forrester, who suffered severe burns during the February 19 incident that sparked widespread outrage and debate across social media, was pronounced dead on Friday at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James. Her sister, Carol Blackwood Hewitt, confirmed the tragic development but declined to comment further.

Forrester had reportedly sustained third degree burns over approximately 70 per cent of her body after the altercation at the service station.

In the days following the attack, relatives launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with her medical expenses, while the Burn Foundation of Jamaica coordinated overseas emergency support, including placing an air ambulance on standby.

At the time, Blackwood Hewitt had made an emotional public appeal as her sister fought for survival.

"I don't want to lose her. Her birthday is on the 26th of February," she said a day after the incident.

Thirty-year-old pump attendant Collate Swaby has since been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm in relation to the attack. She is currently on bail and is scheduled to return to court on April 16.

The case sparked intense debate across social media platforms, with some users claiming Swaby had been acting in self defence.

Police had also indicated that three women were facing criminal charges in connection with the incident. Investigations remain ongoing.

- Corey Robinson

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