A Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) soldier, 31-year-old Captain Blake James Roper, passed away after sustaining injuries in a single-vehicle accident on Saturday (June 10).

In a statement released by the JDF, the organisation said, “our condolences remain with his family, friends and colleagues during this time of bereavement.”

Roper, also known as ‘Jah Ropes’, was driving his motorcar along the Palisadoes main road in Kingston when upon reaching the Harbour View round-a-bout, he failed to negotiate the left turn, went into the roundabout and the vehicle collided into a concrete.

He was pronounced dead at hospital.

Son of the longest serving commanding officer of the JDF air wing, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Geoffrey Roper, Captain Roper served the JDF for eight years, during which he served in the maritime, air, and cyber command.

Tributes have been pouring out for Captain Roper since his untimely passing. Among them are a statement from Chief of Defence Staff, Rear Admiral (RAdm) Antonette Wemyss Gorman and a tribute from Opposition Leader, Mark Golding.

Wemyss Gorman said that the loss has left a void in the JDF family and highlighted that Roper made significant contributions to safeguarding Jamaica’s security while embodying bravery, selflessness, and sacrifice.

In a statement on social media, Golding said, “Heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Blake Roper, a family friend who died tragically this morning. Blake was a highly professional and dedicated young member of the JDF, with a bright future ahead of him. He was also a keen guitarist, whose company I enjoyed as he accompanied the singers of Christmas carols over the years. So sad to lose such a wonderful young man in his prime. May his soul rest in peace.”

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