Sympathies were yesterday extended to Police Commissioner George Jackson and his family following the death of his son Andrew on Christmas Day.

The 27-year-old succumbed to injuries sustained four days prior in a motorcycle accident on Middle Road in Warwick. The death marks the 16th road fatality of 2008 — the highest number since 1998, when there was a record 17.

A Police spokesperson announced yesterday. "The Bermuda Police Service can now confirm the death of 27 year old Andrew Jackson of Pembroke.

"Mr. Jackson sustained serious injuries after losing control of his motorcycle and colliding with a wall on Middle Road in Warwick near the junction with Riddell's Bay Road around 8.35 p.m. on Sunday, December 21st 2008. "After four days in the Intensive Care Unit of KEMH (King Edward VII Memorial Hospital), Andrew succumbed to his injuries on Thursday, December 25th.

"And sadly, that means that Bermuda has recorded its 16th road traffic fatality for 2008. The Bermuda Police Service family extends our sincere condolences to Commissioner George Jackson and the Jackson family on the loss of Andrew."

The Royal Gazette was yesterday unable to reach Commissioner Jackson for comment, however friends of his son expressed their loss on the popular social on-line networking site Facebook: "Jacko, on a real, you will forever be missed homie. Thank for being a good friend and all around awesome person. Thanks for showing us that its fly to be unique and extraordinary. Watch over us!"

"Your happy and outgoing spirit will live on forever in our hearts. Gonna miss you being my Lounge buddy. Rest on babes. Condolences to the Family."

"I'm really gonna miss u Andrew! Trust me! You were always out-going and made me smile even when I was MAD! Still cant believe it babes... RIP — C u when I get there! Until we meet again..."

Michael Dunkley, Shadow Minister for Public Safety said: "On behalf my colleagues we would like to send our sincere condolences to the commissioner and his family. Losing someone in this fashion is never easy but especially during this time of year makes it even more difficult to understand and accept.

"The family should be comforted by the fact that there are many fellow Bermudians grieving with the Jacksons at this time. They are always remembered in our thoughts and prayers

"Obvious we have a long way to go to make our road safer and that's something I look forward to working with my colleagues in the new year from both sides of the political spectrum to ensure that we live and learn from our past mistakes."

The news of Mr. Jackson's death came with the announcement of another single vehicle accident early Christmas morning.

Police spokesperson said: "Around 2.50 this morning, Police attended a reported serious road traffic collision resulting in injury on Harbour Road in Paget near the junction with Chapel Road.

"Details about how the collision occurred are unclear; however, it appears that a motorcycle was travelling east on Harbour Road when the rider, a 24-year-old Pembroke man, lost control in the vicinity of Newstead.

"Inquiries into this incident are underway. Police are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to contact Sergeant Courtney Williams or PC Jeffrey Lawrence on 295 0011.

For any witnesses to Andrew Jackson's collision contact PC Wayne Sealy at the Somerset Police Station on 234 1010 or 335 2212.