media_artricles :: 2014

NACAC, Jamaica PM mourn death of teen athlete

The North America, Central America and Caribbean Athletics Association (NACAC) said the death of Jamaican teenage athlete Cavahan McKenzie has shocked the track and field family.

McKenzie, an 18 year-old student of St Jago High School, collapsed and died after competing in the NACAC Cross Country Championships in Tobago on Saturday.

“On behalf of the whole NACAC Athletics Family and the IAAF we would like to express our most sincere words of condolences to Cavahan McKenzie’s Family, to the Jamaican Athletics Family and to the People of Jamaica,” said NACAC President Victor Lopez.

“This is an extremely sad moment for all of us in the NACAC Area and we will mourn Cavahan passing forever. On behalf of the NACAC Council and the IAAF Family we would like to express our deepest sorrow and grief in this unfortunate occasion.”

Lopez said he has been in touch with the National Association of Athletics Administrations (NAAA) of Trinidad and Tobago and the Meet Director of the NACAC Cross Country Championships, Allan Baboolal.

“He gave me a report on what happened but he will keep me informed tomorrow (today) after he visits with the doctors and they are able to give him more information about the cause of the death,” said Lopez.

Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller also expressed grief on the passing of McKenzie.

“Our grief is heightened because Cavahan was taken from us at such a young age and while competing on behalf of his school and country,” read a statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on Saturday.

“The Government will lend support to the family through this difficult time,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister offered condolences to his family, school community and friends.

—CMC

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