Tragic Death of 63-Year-Old 'Surfy' Lewis Shocks Crick Hill Community

The Crick Hill, St James community is shocked and saddened over the death of 63-year-old Anderson Rudolph “Surfy” Lewis.

Lewis, also nicknamed Andy, was struck and killed by a truck on Saturday around 8:10 p.m. as he was walking near his home.

Family friends Nicolai Bowen and his sister Zada Cox are taking it particularly hard, especially Bowen, who admitted he shed tears when he heard the tragic news.

Yesterday, the sibling pair, in their 20s, said the age difference did not prevent them from being friends with Lewis and in fact, they had known Lewis’ father, who had planted the trees in their backyard. They said Lewis’ father, who was in his 80s, died recently.

Bowen said Lewis had no children and lived alone so he always made sure to stop by and check in on his elder friend. He said Lewis had suffered a stroke a few years ago and as a result, his movements were severely hampered.

Bowen said he had planned to stop in yesterday to see Lewis but now he was facing the fact their time together was over.

“He liked to do Sudoku and crossword puzzles and write poetry. A few weeks ago he told me he wanted to go to Holetown Festival and have a child read one of his poems. He used to say he still had a lot to contribute to the world, it really hurt me to hear he is gone,” the neighbour stated.

Cox said they found out what happened yesterday morning after their dogs were barking and when she looked out to see police officers. Then her stepfather, who was also friends with Lewis, gave them the news. The young woman recalled Lewis once worked at Surfside Restaurant as well as Sandy Lane in his younger days, something of which he was proud.

She said he was still strong despite his stroke as he cleaned up around his house and caught the bus to go to the hospital for his regular check-ups or to go to shop.

Cox lamented how some motorists drove through Crick Hill road which had been resurfaced with a nonslip surface Bowen said there were many older folk living along Crick Hill and he liked to take walks along the hill, adding he was trying to encourage his father to walk with him.