Photo: A visibly upset Martin Manley, teammate of Cavahn McKenzie
On a day when thousands of Jamaican track and field fans piled into the National Stadium in Kingston to witness the largest relay carnival in the country, the Gibson Relays, the nation was rocked with the news of the death of Cavahn McKenzie.
Photo: A visibly upset Martin Manley, teammate of Cavahn McKenzie
On a day when thousands of Jamaican track and field fans piled into the National Stadium in Kingston to witness the largest relay carnival in the country, the Gibson Relays, the nation was rocked with the news of the death of Cavahn McKenzie.
The 17 year old St. Jago High School student was part of the Jamaica team participating in this weekend’s NACAC Cross Country Championships in Tobago. He specialized in middle distance events such as the 5000m and cross country races.
Members of the St. Jago track team were visibly upset after hearing the news and some work black arm bands while others wrote messages on their running uniforms, in paying tribute to their former teammate.
The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) released a statement earlier today explaining details of the tragedy. The full text of the release can be seen below:
It is with deep regret that The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) wishes to advise that tragedy struck at the NACAC Cross Country Championships in Tobago at the Mount Irvine Golf Club at approximately 3:35pm this afternoon when 17 year old St. Jago High School student Cavahn McKenzie collapsed at the end of the 6 Kilometre event. He was rushed to the Scarborough General Hospital where he died shortly after arrival.
An autopsy will be performed on Monday, February 24, 2014 with a member of the Jamaican management team present. The team has received tremendous support from Senior Trinidad and Tobago officials.
Cavahn’s family was visited and informed by a team compromising Prime Minister Hon. Portia Simpson Miller, Hon. Natalie Neita-Headly Minister with responsibility for Sports in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Sandra Swyer-Watson – Principal St. Jago High School Mr. Andre Kidd – Coach S. Jago High, Mr. Garth Gayle – General Secretary Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association and Dr. Carl Bruce – Executive member Jamaica Athletics Association.
The team will return to the island at 12:40pm tomorrow February 23, 1024.
The JAAA offers sincere condolences to the family of Cavahn, team members, as well as the St. Jago family and the wider Track and Field fraternity.
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