By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE medical and business community in Freeport is in shock following the death of Dr Havard Cooper Jr, who reportedly suffered a heart attack while jet skiing at Fortune Beach on Saturday.

Dr Cooper, 55, is believed to have drowned when he was thrown into the water after losing control of the jet ski he was riding. It is believed Dr Cooper, a well-known doctor, businessman and resident of Grand Bahama, was on a family beach picnic with relatives.

The Cooper family is said to be devastated by the tragedy. Dr Cooper is one of five children of the successful entrepreneur/businessman Havard Cooper Sr, who owned and operated three Burger King and four Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise restaurants in Freeport. The family also operates the Pizza Hut and Pollo Tropical franchises, LMR Drugs and Halt Industries. Several years ago, he turned over operation of the businesses to his children.

Dr Cooper Jr was in private medical practice as an obstetrician and gynaecologist. He was a husband and father.

Police have not yet officially released the identity as that of Dr Cooper as the family will have to wait until today when an official identification and autopsy will be held.

Inspector Terecita Pinder reported that police received information around 2pm on Saturday about a jet ski accident at Fortune Beach in Lucaya. She said two men were riding a jet ski when it reportedly lost control and both were thrown into the water.

One of the men resurfaced but the other did not and was later retrieved in an unconscious state. CPR was administered.

Inspector Pinder said the victim was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead by a doctor.