The Jessie Ripoll Primary School community in Kingston, Jamaica, is grappling with profound grief following the tragic deaths of its principal, O’neil Stevens, and his wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, in a motor vehicle accident in South Carolina, United States, on Friday.
The couple, along with their two daughters, had been visiting Lindsay-Stevens’ mother in Myrtle Beach for the Christmas holidays. They were en route to the airport to return to Jamaica when the fatal crash occurred.
According to reports, the family was traveling with Lindsay-Stevens’ mother and a driver when their vehicle experienced a flat tire along a highway. After pulling over, Stevens and his wife exited the car to assist in changing the tire.
Noreen Stevens, O’neil Stevens’ mother, told The Sunday Gleaner that she was informed the couple noticed a van approaching at high speed as they worked on the tire. They reportedly attempted to run toward an embankment but were struck by the vehicle.
Stevens died at the scene, while his wife succumbed to her injuries shortly after arriving at an urgent care center. None of the other occupants of the vehicle were injured.
The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office reported that the incident occurred around 6 p.m. on Halfway Creek Road in Huger, South Carolina.
“Through initial investigation, deputies say two people exited a vehicle that looked to be disabled in the roadway. While they were outside, another vehicle struck both of them. After first responders arrived and gave life-saving measures, one person was pronounced dead at the scene and the other was pronounced dead at the hospital,” said Lt. Jacquelyn Woodall.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the passing vehicle stopped at the scene and ruled out a hit-and-run. Investigations are ongoing.
Tributes pour in
As news of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in from former colleagues, students, and education officials.
Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon remembered Stevens as “more than an exemplary leader; he was a beacon of inspiration and dedication.”
“His vision for excellence in education and his steadfast commitment to the holistic development of our students left an indelible mark on the Jessie Ripoll Primary School community. Alongside him, Mrs. Stevens was a supportive partner and a cherished presence to the extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity,” she said.
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To support the grieving school community, the Ministry of Education has deployed trauma and grief counseling teams. The reopening of classes has been delayed by one day to January 7, and a gathering of school board members, teachers, ministry officials, and friends is planned for Monday at the school.
Stevens’ death leaves a significant void at Jessie Ripoll Primary, where his leadership and dedication to education were deeply admired.
