Photo: The body of Cavahn McKenzie being escorted to a hearse this morning at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston Jamaica
Contrary to reports carried in the media that St. Jago and Jamaican athlete Cavahn McKenzie died of a ‘massive’ heart attack , it was revealed today by Minister without Portfolio(Sport), Natalie Neita-Headley that the autopsy reports have been inconclusive.
Photo: The body of Cavahn McKenzie being escorted to a hearse this morning at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston Jamaica
Contrary to reports carried in the media that St. Jago and Jamaican athlete Cavahn McKenzie died of a ‘massive’ heart attack , it was revealed today by Minister without Portfolio(Sport), Natalie Neita-Headley that the autopsy reports have been inconclusive.
McKenzie who was a part of the Jamaica Cross Country team to the NACAC Championships in Tobago last week, collapsed after completing his race and was rushed to hospital where he died. His body was returned to the island shortly before mid-day today accompanied by Marlon Thomas, a sports massage therapist who works with the Jamaica Administrative Athletics Association (JAAA). Thomas had stayed behind to identify the body and accompany it home after the rest of the contingent to the games returned on the weekend.
A distraught Thomas, speaking to reporters at the airport said, “This is probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I have been travelling with the team since last year but I have never had to do anything similar to this.
“Cavahn was a jovial character, he was a gentleman and a very humble person. He was the perfect example of someone who wanted something out of track and field and his work ethic was proof of that,” he revealed.
Cavahn’s father, John McKenzie who was also at the airport, said that they were making big plans for Champs. “We were all planning to go to champs, he insisted that I should be there and I told him that I would find the money to go no matter what. He was a very good guy, he had manners like me, he took after my footsteps.”
Both Cavahn’s parents revealed that they had not eaten nor slept much since receiving the news of the son’s untimely passing.
Minister Neita-Headley stated that the government of Jamaica would support the family throughout the entire process and ensure that Cavahn receives a proper burial.
“I can’t find the words to adequately express how sad we are today. It is a sad day for all of us. Cavahn was very eager to make the national team and he finally made it. He told his parents that he would do well and would return to enrich their lives.”
Regarding the results of the autopsy, Neita-Headley said, “The original reports were that he died of a heart attack however further tests have proven inconclusive so we will be doing our own tests to find out the actual cause of death. Reports from Trinidad and Tobago and local officials will be examined to ensure that all procedures were followed and we will tell from there what really happened.”
Chad Walker, a member of the St. Jago track and field team and friend of McKenzie was also at the airport and he insisted that the untimely passing of their teammate will serve as a motivation for the team.
“It will have a positive effect on the team,” he insisted. “It will provide motivation, everyone will work harder to relive what he stood for.”
No doubt the family and indeed the entire nation are anxiously awaiting the details on what cost the promising young athlete his life.
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