[Written by Don Burgess]

Rain couldn’t dampen a weekend of celebrations but the senseless loss of another of Bermuda’s young men has.

Cricket and football star Fiqre Crockwell was shot dead early this morning on Woodlands Road while another man was stabbed and taken to King Edward VII Hospital for treatment.

Mr. Crockwell represented Bermuda internationally in cricket and had an average of 34 in his brief One Day International career.

The wicketkeeper was also a regular on the St. George’s Cup Match teams. He debuted for the Blue and Blue in 2008 and played on last year’s team.

Neil Paynter, president of St. George’s Cricket Club was stunned to learn the news this morning.

“It’s sad. A young person’s life has been taken too soon,” he said. “People are just in shock.

“To wake up to this morning and to hear this news, is just unbelievable. Everyone was just enjoying the weekend and to get news like this here is shocking.”

“I just feel for his family,” added Mr Paynter.

Mr. Paynter said even though Mr. Crockwell was “a St. David’s boy, he played for St. George’s in Cup Match. He made valuable contributions to sport, both in football and cricket. He loved the game. It’s a total loss.”

Stefan Kelly, who is based in the UK, was both a schoolmate of Mr. Crockwell at St. David’s Primary and a Cup Match teammate.

Mr. Kelly told Bernews, “He was one of those lovable guys. I always had time for him. He was one of those people I always looked forward to seeing whenever I got home. All of us St. David’s boys looked forward to being around with.”

The news of Mr. Crockwell’s shooting was breaking as Mr. Kelly was getting up this morning.

“It was disbelief,” he said. “I thought I was still asleep in a dream world thinking there was no way this could be happening to him, of all people.

“It’s a big blow just not from a player’s point of view but from a community —losing one of our very own who grew up in the area. It’s a big loss and there’s probably nothing that can be said that can describe how anyone will be feeling in the community or with his family.”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to his mom, Aunt Terry, and everyone who was real close to him and his family.”

Mr. Kelly said Mr. Crockwell’s contributions to sport will be greatly missed.

“He was one of those guys you always knew what you were getting. He was a reliable and dependable player which is reflected in why he would get selected for the national squad as well as for St. George’s.

“He was one of those consistent players you banked on week in and week out.”

The Bermuda Cricket Board also expressed their “shock and sadness at the loss today of Fiqre Crockwell.”

“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family and friends at this difficult time,” the BCB said.

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