Police Identify Accident Victim
May 30, 2005 – St. Thomas police have identified the victim of a vehicular accident that took place on the Waterfront in the early morning hours Monday. (See "News Brief: Accident Takes Teenager's Life").
Deputy Police Chief Elvin Fahie said Monday afternoon the young woman killed in the accident was 17-year-old Rhondi Rivas, a senior at All Saints Cathedral School.
The passenger in the sports coupe was identified as 18-year-old Rachel Mc Coy. Mc Coy was not seriously injured.
Fahie said the preliminary investigation suggests that speed was a factor in the accident in which the sports coupe suddenly veered to the right, crossed the west-bound lanes on Veterans Drive and plummeted into the Charlotte Amalie harbor.
"We are not sure what caused the sudden turn of the vehicle in question, but we are continuing to investigate the accident …this is an open case," Fahie said, adding that the skid marks from the vehicle begin near the USO intersection and could be seen for some distance ahead. Firefighters, rescue personnel and police divers were all called to the scene to assist in retrieving the two occupants of the vehicle and to remove the vehicle from the waters of the Charlotte Amalie harbor.
The principal of All Saints Cathedral School, Louise Brady, issued a statement of condolence to Rivas’ family.
"It is with indescribable sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of our beloved student Rhondi Rivas," Brady said from her school office on Monday. Brady said Rhondi was preparing seriously for graduation and her entrance into the college of her choice. "May the good Lord give the members and friends of her family, faith and courage, in this, their time of bereavement."
The accident occurred 18 days before commencement exercises for the All Saints Class of 2005.
A special service is planned for All Saints students and faculty on Tuesday in memory of Rhondi, according to Rev. Ashton Brooks, All Saints pastor.

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