Jamaica’s footballing fraternity has been thrust into mourning on Friday (January 22) on the news of the passing of former national senior men’s striker Luton Shelton. He was 35-years-old

Shelton, who had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), back in 2018, was undergoing treatment for the condition with assistance from the government.

ALS, a degenerative nervous system disorder that affects cells in the brain and spinal cord, causing loss of muscle control, has no cure.

Shelton leaves an indelible legacy on Jamaican football, as one of the country’s most prolific goalscorers.

He is the only man on the planet to score four goals on his debut. In June 2008 he scored five goals in two 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying games for Jamaica against the Bahamas. He scored two goals as Jamaica won 7–0 and scored a hat-trick as Jamaica won 6–0.

The former Harbour View FC, Sheffield United and Helsinborg FC athlete is survived by his wife Bobette Shelton and their three children.