Eight years ago, on that fateful day of Tuesday, September 20, 2016, 18-year-old St George’s College footballer Dominic James collapsed on died in a Manning Cup match against Excelsior High.

Call it fate, call it destiny, but the referee in that match was one Wilverglen Lamey, and today, eight years and one day, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, Lamey collapsed and died in the line of duty.

The 48-year-old Lamey was officiating in a KSAFA Business House semi-final game between Seprod and Metrodade Security when he collapsed approximately 15 minutes into the match at the Alpha Institute on South Camp Road.

He was rushed to the Kingston Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Lamey, who was honoured eight years ago for 10 year’s service in the field, has been refereeing for 18 years and only last week he was the man in the middle when Kingston College registered the biggest win in schoolboy football this season trouncing Cumberland High 18-0.

As the football fraternity continues to mourn, Wayne Shaw, president of the Business House Football Association and former KSAFA president, was at the match and witnessed when Lamey collapsed.

Shaw told Our Today that he saw when Lamey moved out of the way of the ball then he collapsed face down. He was then rushed to hospital, but Shaw believed he died on the spot.

“I have known Mr Lamey for over 22 years, he was one of the most dedicated referees I have ever met,” said Shaw.

“He loved what he did and his passion for the game was evident in every match he officiated. He will surely be missed,” he noted.

Meanwhile, president of the Jamaica Football Federation,  Michael Ricketts said they are devastated by the news of Lamey’s sudden passing.

“Referee Lamey was a dedicated servant of the game for many years, officiating at every level of the game locally,” said Ricketts.

“Mr Lamey was a familiar face in games throughout the country. He was always ready to go in the middle in just about any competition. He served quietly and respectfully, ensuring that the games were held without disrepute. “Sincere condolences to his family, friends and the referee fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he added.