An outpouring of condolences and tributes is being showered on young Jamaican footballer Omar Laing, a promising schoolboy standout, who was shot and killed in downtown Kingston on Friday (April 22).

The tell-tale signs of a tragedy laid bare along Charles Street around 5:30 pm. Even sandals were left by the streetside as residents made a desperate run for cover amid a hail of gunfire.

Laing, celebrating his 18th birthday, succumbed to injuries he sustained from a drive-by shooting.

The prolific former St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) striker most recently made his debut for Jamaica Premier League (JPL) outfit Cavalier FC two weeks ago.

Laing’s death left sports journalist and schoolboy football broadcaster/commentator Donald Oliver speechless.

“Omar Laing… its heartbreaking and devastating and completely shocking. The STATHS standout and Cavalier player shot and killed on his birthday in a most random and vicious act. I have no words,” he said.

Another JPL franchise, Waterhouse FC, bemoaned Laing’s loss and questioned why his death had come before the teen could realise his sporting potential.

Tagging the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Waterhouse FC tweeted, “Honorable Prime Minister @AndrewHolnessJM we have to find a solution for the crime situation in our country, another youth 18yo life snuffed out on this his birthday. Something has to give Prime Minister this cannot continue. RIP Omar Laing.”