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(Last Updated on November 26, 2005 11:26 AM )

Mr. ALEX PEAL IN SERIOUS AUTO ACCIDENT

By Dave Beyan

Mr. Alexander Peal, the internationally acclaimed Liberian Conservationist, was involved in a serious automobile accident in Monrovia, Liberia that nearly cost him his life. Mr. Peal was heading home on ELWA Highway when his car collided head-on with a logging truck on October 10, 2005, the eve of the Liberian national elections. He was taken to a nearby hospital where it was reported that he sustained multiple fractures on his legs and ribs. Preliminary indications were that Mr. Peal was in serious but stable condition.

Upon hearing the news of Mr. Peal’s accident, calls have been pouring in to his wife and family from friends and environmental organizations around the world, with offers of assistance. One such organization, a Swiss-based conservation agency dispatched a chartered flight that took Mr. Peal to Switzerland where he his currently undergoing surgery and may stay for some time during the recovery period. His wife, Emily flew into the Swiss capitol to be by his side.

Friends of Alex and Emily residing in Southern California were equally stunned by the news of the accident. Emily, who was in New Jersey at the time of the incident, was reportedly overwhelmed by calls of prayers and concerns from many in our community and from many other parts of the world. Emily and her mother, Mrs. Frances Mayson live in their Temecula, California home, 80 miles South of Los Angeles.

Alex and Emily have earned enormous respect among their friends here in Southern California, both Liberians and Americans. They are engaging, friendly and very considerate of the needs of others in the community. They are members of several organizations here whose sole mission is to assist the needy in Liberia and to foster friendship amongst Liberians and Americans in Southern California.

Alex has spent much of his time in Liberia with his conservation projects. For many years now he and his team of dedicated staff have been scouting the forests of the West African nation of Liberia, leading teams of international environmental experts in a tireless effort to promote awareness for protecting the environment, with special emphasis on the rainforest and wildlife in West Africa.

In April of 2000, Mr. Peal was the recipient of the Goldman Environmental Award for his distinguished service towards environmental issues on the continent of Africa. The award is comparable to the Noble Peace Prize, except that this one is intended for environmental works only.

Mr. Peal’s prominence in society started back in the '60’s and '70’s when he was the goalkeeper for the Liberian National Soccer Team, the Lone Star, and one of the nation’s premier teams, The Invincible Eleven (IE).

The Peal Family is asking Friends and well- wishers to pray for the speedy recovery of Mr. Alexander Peal.