Driver arrested in fatal crash

| 18/05/2013

(CNS): The son of local musicians Chuck and Barry Quappe has been killed in a road smash, which is now being investigated by police. Sources have confirmed that 21-year-old Zac Quappe was killed in the crash that occurred early Saturday morning on South Church Street near Sand Cay condos. Police released information about the two-vehicle collision on Saturday at around 12:15pm. A spokespersonsaid the driver of a second vehicle had been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving after he was treated at the hospital. Police said the crash happened at about 3:11am on 18 May when both cars were speeding southwards on the single carriageway with a 30mph limit road.

The Ford Taurus being driven by  Quappe and a Mitsubishi Lancer driven by an un-named  23-year-old male, accompanied by a 20-year-old female passenger, crashed when the drivers were negotiating a left bend, lost control of their vehicles and ran off on the right side of the road. The Mitsubishi collided with a rock wall by Sand Cay condominiums and a parked unattended Honda CRV, which was in the Sand Cay front parking lot. The Ford Taurus continued about 200 yards up the road and collided with a concrete column.

Quappe was transported to the George Town hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5:10am. Meanwhile, the driver and passenger of the Mitsubishi were also transported to the hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries. Police said the driver of the Mitsubishi was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving at around 8:20am

Anyone who may have witnessed this car crash or have information pertaining to it should contact the investigating officer PC 313 Ellis at 949-4222.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    Sincere condolences! God's speed Zac! Please accept my sincere condolences Chuck, Barrie, Karen, Bob & Suzy Soto, Chris Bergstrom, James Bergstrom and all the families I didn't mention who will miss their beloved son. My prayers are with you all now.

    Scott Henderson

    • Anonymous says:

      My deepest sorrow for the family!  Has the date for the funeral been set yet?  

  2. Anonymous says:

    days later , still reeling at what wave of despair this amazing family must be going through. Please dont look at blame or what actions come next, just pour out our hearts to Chuck and Barrie and Terri and Suzy and Bob Soto and all the families affected.  The heartbreak is massive.  I only knew Zac in passing, but was so impressed with how terrific he was, a real gentleman, someone to be proud to know… the world will be less great without him in it

  3. Craig Greaves says:

    Chuck and Barrie, Karen and I want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Zak was a wonderful young man that I was proud to know. His path through life was too short. There is nothing we can say to take away your pain, but we will be thinking of you and Zak. Craig and Karen Greaves

  4. Anonymous says:

    My Partner and I had the fortunate chance of meeting Zac about one month ago. Our car was in the garage and he stopped to give us a ride from town. We thanked him and he told us he had been in similar circumstances before and was more than happy to give us a ride. We knew he was a special young man because as ofen as you see people thumbing a ride, what you don't see so often are people stopping to give thumbers a ride. As young as he was, he did this simple act which wasn't really simple at all. We can only imagine the live and light he brought to others. My Partner and I always make a point of stopping for people thumbing but we will especially continue to do so with Zac in mind. Our journey couldn't have been more than 8mins long but in that space of time, we could both tell he was a very kind, loving, easy going guy who loved his life. He briefly mentioned buddies of his, not by name but we could tell that he seemed to have great relationships with his friends. Laws or no laws, we can only imagine that that young guy wouldn't want his buddy to go to jail because of this, the same way I am sure his friend wouldn't if things were reversed, Unfortunately, he is gone now and it's his family and friends that need love and support, which we have no doubt he will give. There is always good in bad, lets find it here. We don't assume to know him but that moment when our three paths crossed will be remembered fondly by us – I am sure his friends and family are very proud of him.

  5. 22, Male, Real Caymanian.<3ovr$ says:

    I knew Zac really well. I seen him last week in his "new ride" the Ford Taurus…after the first ride he had was held together by toothpicks which was a red toyota. We had a real real blast and I am sure this good soul has gone to rest where need be! Bless up Zac Efron!!!!

  6. Anonymous says:

    Sorry for the lost of your son ,praying for you .

  7. Glenda says:

    Are condolences to chuck & berry from the waitress at nipper’s in guana cay

  8. Anonymous says:

    My sincere condolence to the Quappe family. 

    John Felder

  9. Anonymous says:

    Nothing in life can possibly prepare you for the loss of a child, no matter the age.  I add my deepest condolences to Chuck, Barrie and everyone in the extended family.  Please note that Cayman is a loving community and will be there for you to support you in this time of need.  Only time and the grace of God helps us to move forward and make the sting of death hurt less and less as time goes by.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  10. Anonymous says:

    Unfortunately nobody learns from this.

    Police on every corner and speed cameras is the only solution.

     

  11. Skip and Betty Ann says:

    We are heartbroken to hear of Zac’s death. Such a tragedy at such a young age.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Anybody that knew Zac knows that we should all be more like him.  Such a good person.  My condolencesto the family.

  13. Anonymous says:

    Why try to charge the driver of the Mitsubishi with "Causing Death by Careless Driving"?? By most accounts I've heard, they were basically racing. Nobody told Mr. Quapp to race, which resulted in his death. BOTH drivers and their vehicles crashed. Unfortunately, one of them died. It's sad, but it's unfair to the young man who was driving the Mitsubishi to be punished…especially since it's something he'll live with for the rest of his life.

    • Anonymous says:

      This does seem similar to an accident last year in May and I do not believe there was any arrest or charges in that situation.

      • Anonymous says:

        You should never juddge a situation before all the facts are known. These kinds of comments add to the pain of both families involved. Seriously, find something better to do and let the legal process happen.

    • Anonymous says:

      Because if your description is right, he caused a death by dangerous driving.

    • Anonymous says:

      What an unbelievably stupid comment.  Of course he must be charged if they were racing.  What if a pedestrian had been killed instead or as well?  The behaviour is crminal and must be condemned, by society and the law.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thissituation seems very similar to an accident in May 2012 but I do not believe the driver of the second vehicle was arrested in that instance.  Maybe CNS can investigate and advise of the difference.

    • Anonymous says:

      Whilst this is a tragedy, had the two vehicles not been racing it probably would not have happened. The driver of the other vehicle has liability, simple. Lessons must be made in an effort to teach our young people of the dangers of racing on the roads. We see it daily and they have to know the consequences can be dire.

    • Anonymous says:

      Deepest condolonsces to the family and friends.

      In answer to the question "Why charge the driver of the other vehicle"…. if he had not been racing the other boy would probably not be dead. Whether you like it or not, he is part of the cause. These young people need to learn there are consequences for driving like fools on the road. Until they do, they will keep dying.

      There are simple devices that can monitor and report speed etc that can be fitted to vehicles. The insurance companies and the government cannot just keep turning a blind eye and letting kids die! Take action.

      • Anonymous says:

        Here at SaxonMG we have implemented telematics but unfortunately not only are some of the children not resceptive but also "The Parents", how sad!! So we need to start the education with the parents then maybe the children might get it sooner rather than later.

    • Anonymous says:

      Because it is the truth of the matter. Neither of them should have been racing. Zac paid his price and the driver of the other car should as well. My thoughts are with the Quape family in this time of sadness for them.

    • Anonymous says:

      That how the law works and all persons should know if they are in similar circumstances and the end result is a death this will be the MINIMUM charge – whether the other person contributed or not it does not absolve this driver from being held responsible for his contributory actions.

      Hope all young people will pay attention!

      RIP Zac!

    • Anonymous says:

      I must agree with you as mush as it hurts the other Family this young man should have his DL taken away but charged no not right.

  14. Anonymous says:

    Such a wonderful person who I was hoping to grow old with and remain friends for a long time.  He will be greatly missed by many.  He really was one of a kind.  RIP Zak.

  15. Anonymous says:

    I am in total shock and disbelief after hearing about the sudden passing of my good friend Zak. My condolences to the family. – Luke

  16. Anonymous says:

    We will miss you a lot Zac. My deepest sympathy to Chuck and Barry. R.I.P Zac
    Jerris

  17. Anonymous says:

    Our deepest condolences to the Quappe family – our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  18. Anonymous says:

    Condolences to the Quappe family.

  19. Michel says:

    Our sincere condolences to the Quappe Family. May the Good Lord be with you to keep you strong during this very sad period. We will pray for you all. God Bless. Doris & Michel Lemay and our whole family.

  20. The lone haranguer rides again! says:

    Terrible news guys, I am very sorry for your loss, stay strong.

  21. Anonymous says:

    My deepest condolonsces to Chuck, Berry, Terri and the rest of the family. 

    This is a terrible loss.

    • Anonymous says:

      Barrie, you andChuck will remain in our thoughts and prayers.  I cannot tell you that I know how you feel, but I can imagine and all I know is that God will give you the strength to bear this unimaginable loss.  Hang in guys.  We love you.