The Jamaican football community is in mourning following the sudden passing of veteran referee Wilverglen Lamey, who tragically collapsed during a Kingston and St. Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) business house semi-final match on Saturday.
The 48-year-old official, a dedicated figure in local football, was officiating the encounter between Metrodade Security and Seprod at the Alpha Institute when the incident occurred just 15 minutes into the game.
In a wave of grief, tributes have already begun pouring in from across the football fraternity, with many recalling Lamey’s years of service to the sport. The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) issued a heartfelt statement, describing the loss as devastating.
A dedicated servant
“Referee Lamey was a dedicated servant of the game for many years, officiating at every level of the game locally,” the JFF’s release read. Michael Ricketts, the president of the JFF, expressed his condolences, saying, “Mr. Lamey was a familiar face in games throughout the country. He was always ready to go in the middle in just about any competition. He served quietly and respectfully, ensuring that the games were held without disrepute. Sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the referee fraternity. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The football fraternity was struck particularly hard by this tragedy, as it is not the first time Lamey had officiated during a devastating incident. In 2016, he was the referee in charge during a schoolboy Manning Cup match when Dominic James, the then St George’s College captain, collapsed and died while playing against Excelsior High at Stadium East Field. That tragedy took place on September 20, 2016, casting a long shadow over the football community—much like Saturday’s heartbreaking news.
The football world in Jamaica now remembers Lamey not only for his tragic final moments but also for the enduring passion, commitment, and professionalism he brought to the sport throughout his career. The game, at all levels, has lost a valued and respected official.
