Help David Fight His Way Back To Us

On March 29th, police responded to a report of a single vehicle collision in Smith’s Parish in Bermuda. One of the vehicle’s four occupants was found unresponsive. That individual was David Goonewardene, 16, of Warwick Academy. This page shares his story, created by his close friends to help support his family at this difficult time.

Earlier that same day, after a fun day spent with friends, David had arranged to stay at a friend’s house for a sleepover. Later that night, he and three friends were travelling in a car on their way back to his friend’s house, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a wall, trapping the four of them in the car. Emergency medics and fire crews found David unresponsive at the scene and worked hard to rescue him from the wreckage. He was rushed to the ER, where it emerged that he had severe bleeding and swelling on the brain, in multiple locations. The doctors warned David’s parents that he was in a life-threatening condition and for his safety, was placed into a medically-induced coma. Our kind and caring friend is now fighting for his life on a ventilator.

Anyone who knows David will agree that he is a fighter – built of strong and resilient character, yet caring and kind to those around him. Known by his friends as the ‘Motive King’, he pushes us all to be the very best versions of ourselves, always offers to coordinate and make plans for the group and is the glue that holds us all together. We feel lost and disconnected from one another without him. He is an active sportsman, with a passion for racquet sports, in particular tennis and table tennis – and has represented Bermuda overseas at table tennis tournaments. We pray for David’s healing and full recovery, but we know that his road will be very long and very difficult. It will take time, effort, energy and the support of many specialists to get David back to doing the things he loves best, including playing sports, working out at the gym, hanging out with his friends and annoying his siblings, Connor, Elliana, Serena and Maddy.

As David’s close friends, we want to help his family in any way that we can. We have chosen to set up this page to try to raise as much money as possible to support his medical expenses and to aid his recovery. Please show your love and support for David by leaving a donation. No amount is too small – it will all go towards supporting his family who are in need of our help at this difficult time. You can also leave words of encouragement for David, which his family will read to him.

We all need our boy back. We miss his cheeky smile, warm hugs and motivational talks. Please support us in fighting for David and to help get him back to being the fun, kind and energetic soul we all know. He is loved by so many and deserves the to be back in the world with the rest of us.