Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, is expressing great shock at the untimely death of Firefighter Shahine Nelson.

Nelson, who was assigned to the Stony Hill Fire Station, was killed in a single-person, motor vehicle accident at 10:03 on Friday night.

This is the second time in two years a tragedy of a similar nature has struck the family as Nelson’s step-brother, Firefighter Larenzo Douse, was killed while on duty in Ocho Rios in 2022.

“Once again, this family of firefighters, and the wider JFB [Jamaica Fire Brigade] community is enveloped in mourning.

“I share that deep sense of loss and disbelief. I trust that her loved ones and friends will experience solace, peace and personal strength as the days progress,” McKenzie said.

Nelson was heading home from work when tragedy struck.

“She had just completed her shift when this happened. The preliminary report is this accident happened at the intersection of the Angels Main Road and the off-ramp coming from the North-South Highway,” McKenzie said of Nelson.

“She crashed into the off-ramp and her car ended up under a tractor-trailer with a container attached, which was parked nearby. We do not yet know what caused this accident, but it is unquestionably a terrible tragedy,” the minister added.

McKenzie said he knew Nelson which makes the death even more tragic for him.

“I remember Firefighter Nelson very well. I presided over her Graduation Ceremony in 2022 and recall speaking with her about her training experiences,” he added.