The Jamaican football fraternity was plunged into mourning this week following the sudden and heartbreaking death of Hugh Howell, a beloved former player who collapsed and passed away on Sunday while playing in a casual scrimmage.
He was 39 years old.
Known across the island as a hard-tackling enforcer, Howell built a reputation as a tenacious, no-nonsense player whose grit on the field was matched only by the respect he earned from teammates and coaches alike.
A career forged in the fire of the Premier League
Howell’s professional career saw him proudly don the jerseys of Waterhouse FC and later Humble Lion, two of the Jamaican Premier League’s most competitive clubs. His fearless playing style and relentless spirit made him a fixture in both squads.
In the 2005–2006 season, Howell was a crucial part of the Waterhouse FC team that captured the league title. Later, his move to Humble Lion in 2013 marked a new chapter, where his leadership and defensive presence helped elevate the Clarendon-based club into genuine title contenders.
“He left Excelsior and came straight to us. He was a hard worker, a no-nonsense player, and played for the shirt. He will be missed,” said Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle, remembering Howell’s early days and the indelible mark he left on the club.
Beyond the field: A mentor in the making
Following his playing days, Howell remained committed to the sport that had shaped his life. He turned his attention to coaching, sharing his knowledge and passion with young players at Vere Technical High School. It was a natural evolution for a man many regarded as a quiet leader with a commanding presence.
News of Howell’s passing sent shockwaves through Jamaica’s football community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him best.
“So sad. Hugh and I had a good relationship. RIP my friend,” shared JFF President Michael Ricketts in a heartfelt social media post.
“Condolences to the family of the man called ‘Gorilla’. He was a great servant of the game. RIP Balla,” said Andrew Price, Howell’s former coach at Humble Lion, invoking the defender’s nickname that spoke to his fearsome presence on the pitch.
Hugh ‘Gorilla’ Howell: A defender of pride, a man of purpose
While the nickname “Gorilla” captured the ferocity with which Howell defended his turf, it was his integrity, loyalty, and unwavering commitment to the teams he served that truly defined his legacy.
His sudden departure leaves a void in the hearts of players, coaches, and fans who saw in him not just a footballer, but a symbol of grit, heart, and dedication.
In stadiums where he once roared in defense and in locker rooms where he once stood tall, his memory will echo—powerful, enduring, and deeply missed.
