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What is this?
Family seeks answers in death
Published Monday, October 19, 2009
NATCHEZ — It has been seven months since Alex Whyte died. It’s been more than a year since he received the injury that would eventually claim his life. His family is still questioning why — and what — happened.
A British businessman who was in the United States on what was supposed to be the vacation of a lifetime, Whyte was at a concert at Doc Bigloves when he fell and hit his head. He had to be placed in a medical coma and part of his skull was removed.
He died in March, 13 days after being removed from life support.
At the time of the accident, there was some talk of Whyte having been accidentally pushed or deliberately shoved, but police investigations ruled the incident an accident — tragic, but an accident.
Whyte’s family isn’t looking for prosecution, his brother David Whyte said. They just want to know what happened.
Alex had come to America to visit historic sites related to the American Civil War, a long time passion of his. He and a friend, Mark Kenny, had already visited a number of those sites, and the two had decided to go to the bar that night to hear the CD launch of a local band, David said.
The two left the bar at approximately midnight, and 15 minutes later Alex was on the side of the road, unconscious but with all of his valuables in place.
“We have absolutely no idea what actually happened in those few short moments but whatever it was has changed all our lives forever,” David Whyte said. “We have all been hugely affected by our loss, especially with the lack of closure and its effect on our grieving.”
David Whyte said he realizes it’s a year later, but he still wants information to try to piece the evening together, saying the family has struggled with finding out exactly what happened because of the distance between Britain and America.
“I would like for anybody who can shed any light on what happened, to come forward with what they know,” he said. “It really doesn’t matter how insignificant it may seem or how small or how silly, it will all be of good value. In particular if someone remembers seeing or talking to Alex or Mark, or remembers someone talking to them, it would be of huge help and gratefully received.”
Regardless of if anyone comes forward, David Whyte said he would like to extend thanks to everyone who helped Alex while he was injured in the street and those who later treated him in the hospital.
“It all starts from first aid, and Alex would not have survived as long as he did had they not been there with their skills and attention to detail,” David Whyte said.
“They should all feel very proud.”
Alex Whyte was a father of four, a former policeman and customs officer and a management consultant. He was a self-taught musician who played lead guitar in a band.
To contact Whyte’s family online, go to www.natchezdemocrat.com/users/Curious/
Comments
Posted by natashakubelikov (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 4:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You won,t ever find out here,sad to say but it,s true.That,s the way small towns operate some times.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Small towns also have their share of negative people, I reckon.
Posted by bayou (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So sorry for your loss. I have lost my mother,father,brother and son, and don't know all the circumstances involved in each one of their deaths and will never know. sometimes you got to let things go or it will consume you. May ya'll find peace of mind and may God bless you! :)
Posted by meadowlady78 (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I was there the night Mr. Whyte was pushed. I would like to know how to contact the family directly and not through the democrat.
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
meadowlady78, perhaps you could just contact the Chief of Police?
Posted by Undertaker (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
natashakubelikov, You have got to be the most negative person I've ever seen post here. I have never seen one postive post from you. This family has gone through a hugh personal loss and are just wanting closure, and you are trying to take away any hope they may have. I will pray for you as I pray for the Whyte family. God Bless
Posted by SIOUXLADY (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 8:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
UNDERTAKER YOU ARE RIGHT.
KUBELIKOV. I GUESS THAT THE PEOPLE YOU HANG AROUND ARE LIKE YOU.. NEGATIVE.
BIRDS OF A FEATHER..
Posted by concernedcitizen (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
well if anyone knows they need to tell, too many drunks are getting away with beating people up and in this case killing them. why cover up for this person, they killed an innocent man. where are your hearts at people
Posted by vhogan (Vershal Hogan) on October 19, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
meadowlady78:
Mr. Whyte requested that initial contact be made through his Democrat username. If you send him a message, he will be able to respond to you directly through email.
Posted by courtlayne (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 4:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This family has gone through enough for the past year. They do not need negative comments from you 'KUBELIKOV' so please, keep them to yourself. This family just wants closure, let them seek it.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 19, 2009 at 9:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
meadowlady78
"I was there the night Mr. Whyte was pushed."
There's your answer...just need now WHO pushed.
Initially they tried saying he "fell".
Posted by meadowlady78 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have contacted the family and told them everything I know. Please pray that the information will help this family and justice will be served this time.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 8:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Good for you meadowlady78!!!
Posted by dottie (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Let us all pray this family can have the closure they
seek and deserve.Their residing in another country must make it more difficult for them.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I hate it that this happened to this man...
without any witness or evidence of wrongdoing- I think Nasty natasha should keep her mouth shut and not be bad-mouthing all of Natchez just cause she feels like it, there is no vast conspiracy to coverup what some redneck and this guy might have gotten into, while I'm certain anybody that might have had some words and a pushandashove with this man would certainly rather have it al blow over and not be known......
I just wonder if meadowlady spoke up before? And anway, a push that led to this guy tripping and falling does NOT make an assault or manslaughter case.......sounds like an unfortunate accident
I hate to hear about such as this, so sad, my prayers go out to the family.....
Posted by mister (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
MY heart goes out to this family you have my deepest condolence may god bless your family.
Posted by meadowlady78 (anonymous) on October 20, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I was actually the one to call 911 that night and ID the men to the police and gave a full statement. There are actually a few good people in this world still.
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