Former Reggae Boy Tremaine Stewart collapsed and died St Catherine on Sunday morning (April 18), sending shockwaves throughout Jamaica’s football community.

The 33-year-old Stewart was, according to unconfirmed reports, playing football in Portmore when he collapsed shortly after taking the field. He was rushed to a hospital in Spanish Town where he was pronounced dead.

Stewart signed with Dunbeholden FC in September 2020, but was unable to suit up for the side because the 2019/2020 Premier League season was suspended and subsequently cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Christie, the team manager at Dunbeholden confirmed the player’s passing, saying he was stunned at the news.

“This one has me searching for words,” he said.

He described Stewart as the leader the team was always trying to find and added that he was well-respected by his team members and coaching staff alike.

Stewart began his professional career playing for August Town from 2006 to 2008. He had two stints playing for Portmore United (2008-2012) and again in 2016. He also played for Waterhouse from 2014-2015 before leaving for Finnish club Rovaniemen Palloseura.

He also had a stint at Norwegian Club Aalesund.