A SOLDIER with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force (TTDF) tragically collapsed and died on a football field on Saturday evening.
Emmanuel Adams, 32, of Phillipine near San Fernando, died participating in the sport he had been passionate about since a child.
Adams, whose nickname was ML, had 12 years service with the TTDF, had attained the rank of corporal, and played football previously with the TTDF in the Super League.
MOURNING: Marilyn Adams, left, mother of Emmanuel Adams, speaks to reporters yesterday at her Berridge Trace, South Oropouche, home. Her granddaughter Ayisha Slinger sits next to her. Photo: TREVOR WATSON
The Express was told that tragedy struck on Saturday night. Adams was playing in the match for Sporting Club Fyzabad versus La Brea All Stars at the Mahaica Sports Complex.
It was around 9.40 p.m. when the whistle blew to indicate that the first half of the game had ended when Adams collapsed while he was walking off the field.
Adams was unresponsive when coaches and colleagues rushed to his assistance.
They attempted to resuscitate him by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), then took him to the Point Fortin Hospital. However, he was pronounced dead by the hospital doctors.
The body was removed to the hospitals mortuary and a post-mortem is expected to be done this week.
He was married and was a father of one.
The Express visited the home where he grew up on Berridge Trace in Harris Village, South Oropouche, and spoke to his mother, Marilyn Adams, who said she was trying to come to terms with the death of the youngest of her three children.
The mother said, He had been playing football since he was six years old. Football was his passion and he died playing his passion. He was a very good son. He told me when he finished the game on Saturday he would visit. But instead, we got this sad news.
A niece of Adams, Ayisha Slinger, 22, said that Adams sought medical attention for heart palpitations earlier this year.
He was an active person and was very helpful to everyone, looking after his friends and family. He was always in football, whether with school or work, he loved it so much, said Slinger.
One of his oldest friends, Jeremy Primus, when contacted by phone, told the Express, We lost a good one. In the 23 years I knew him, I have never seen him angry. He was a very willing and selfless person who was always smiling. I would call him a top human being. He was one of the very best.
Condolences poured in on social media for Adams, who was well-known in his local football fraternity.
A post on the page of San Fernando FC Giants, which he joined this year, read, Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of our brother, Emmanuel Adams. He was more than a teammate; he was family to many of us. His love for the game and the bond with the Giants family will never be forgotten. Rest easy, ML. Forever a Giant!!
A post by Sherelle Young read, Rest in peace humble soul. The real reggae boss. Really sad my friend, touched a lot of people this morning. Die with the game you love.
In the Facebook group Only in La Brea, hundreds of people commented on the announcement of his death.
Some of the comments under the post were, A village is in mourning. Rest in peace ML, An angel ripped away us play the game he loved, He was a really wonderful person and a good neighbour.
On the Facebook page of Deportivo PF was the statement, It is with a heavy heart that we have to put out something like this.
The Community Football League (CFL), Deportivo Point Fortin and all of our stakeholders extend our condolences on the passing of Sporting Club Fyzabad player, Emmanuel Adams.
Emmanuel was more than just a player, he was a part of our CFL football family. His love and passion for the game, left a mark both on the field and off the field; in the hearts of everyone who had the honour of knowing him. His passing is a tremendous loss, not just to his family, friends and team, but to the entire community.
We stand in full support of his family, friends, and teammates during this incredibly difficult time. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all who mourn his loss.
In Emmanuels memory, we remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive space where our youth and community can grow and thrive together in love and peace.
