Woman Killed In Freak Accident At Miami Broward One Carnival

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The annual celebration that honors South Florida's vast Caribbean culture turned tragic on Sunday when a woman who was taking part in a parade at the Miami Broward One Carnival died in a freak accident.

According to Miami-Dade Police, Jacqueline Annette Martin, 54, of Lauderhill was a masquerader in costume from the Mascots International Mas Band marching toward the main stage at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo.

CLICK HERE To Watch Joan Murray's Report

According to investigators, a box truck with a trailer attached, stopped so the masqueraders could dance and perform for the event judges.

Martin's cell phone dropped to the ground and rolled under the metal trailer. She went between the truck and trailer to retrieve her phone when the truck, driven by Karel Bidopia of Pembroke Pines, started moving again. Martin was then struck by the trailer.

She was transported to Kendall Regional Trauma Center where she passed away.

At Martin's Lauderhill home, a woman who answered the door said everyone is still in shock.

Martin leaves behind an 18-year-old son who recently lost his maternal grandmother.

Friends arriving at the home said they have hired an attorney and could not offer comment.

Others have taken to social media to express their condolences.

Yolanda Henry wrote, "This is so sad. First in 30 years for MBOC. Her phone fell and she made a decision to retrieve it. Truck ran over her leg and she died in surgery. Cardiac arrest. May she R.I.P."

Miami Broward One Carnival released this statement:

"Today, on our 30th anniversary celebration, we unfortunately experienced our first injury of a masquerader that resulted in a casualty from an accident during the Parade's approach to the main stage. It is our understanding that the accident involved a middle aged female masquerader from the mas band, Mascots International, and one of the vehicles providing refreshments to the masquerades. She was treated on the scene and later transported to Kendall Regional Medical Center where she later died from her injuries. At this time, Miami -Dade Police Department is completing the investigation of the accident. We extend our condolences to her family and members of Mascots International."

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