Antigua-Barbuda: 2016 carnival death ruled an accident

A corner’s inquest has ruled the death of a US tourist during carnival celebrations was an accident.

Oniqua Phillip, 25, was visiting Antigua from New York with her family – including her toddler son – in August 2016.

The young mother among a crowd of revellers on Carnival Tuesday when she reportedly fell underneath a truck transporting a sound system.

An autopsy report later revealed that she died as a result of severe crush injuries to her face and skull.

A toxicology test showed that her blood alcohol content level was twice the amount the normal.

Conliff Clarke presided over the the inquest at St John's Magistrate’s Court, with a six-member jury panel looking into her death.

During the hearing, a number of witnesses were called upon to give evidence into Phillip’s death, including a number of police officers.

The jury returning a unanimous verdict that her death was a tragic accident.was caused by accident.

“Following the incident, the police launched an in-depth investigation into the matter, beyond that of a normal fatal accident,” a statement from the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda said.

A report will now be passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions for a final decision on the matter.

Following Phillip’s death last year, her family members met with government.

The meeting was called after the victim’s mother, Novella Phillip took to social media and US networks to blast how transparent authorities were being over the investigation.