Carnival masquerade marcher killed by truck during parade

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.

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

Martin’s cellphone 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 struck by the trailer.

She was taken to Kendall Regional Trauma Center, where she died.

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.”

This story was originally published October 13, 2014 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Carnival masquerade marcher killed by truck during parade."