Schoolboy footballer immortalised as mourners wear No. 10 jersey
Published:Thursday | June 16, 2022 | 12:06 AMAndre Williams/Staff Reporter
There was a strong security presence at the funeral of teenage standout footballer Omar Laing as mourners gathered at his alma mater, St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), on Wednesday to grieve and reflect on his promising though short-lived life.
Laing was murdered on his 18th birthday in his central Kingston community on April 22.
Classes were suspended Wednesday as hundreds of mourners gathered to pay tribute to the youngster said to have been a much-loved and fun-loving leader.
And though the soccer star is dead, many who turned out wore No. 10 jerseys in honour of his life and talent.
“He and his friends were always dancing. On the football field, Laing’s laces were never tied, yet he never tripped on the football field. He was a natural footballer, who took his game seriously,” Sandra Sanson said of the late sportsman, who had also played for Cavaliers Football Club.
Sanson suggested that he was enjoying a great game wherever he was in spirit and encouraged the star forward to maintain his goal-scoring form.
Gramps Morgan’s People Like You, sung in tribute by members of the STATHS administrative staff, struck a chord with the gathering.
Delivering the eulogy, Toni-Ann Francis highlighted Laing’s contribution to the STATHS football programme.
“Omar, you are not here with us any more to laugh and share memories, but our love and memories we all share with you will forever be in our hearts. Walk good, my brother, and sleep on until we see each other again,” Francis said.
Acknowledging that it has been a difficult few weeks for the grieving family, Jamaica Constabulary Force chaplain, Pastor Kevin White, told the relatives that while there are no human words that can soothe the aching of their broken hearts, there is a God.
“God knows the way. Father, we are here this afternoon with more questions than answers, but we look to You, and as we listen to what You have to say. Speak clearly, comfort our hearts. Lift us from the place of our grief to a place where they can be rejoicing in the mourning,” White said as he prayed for the family.
It was an emotional send-off for the prolific baller, whose coffin was styled half-glass, half-wood and emblazoned with logos of STATHS, Cavaliers, and his dream team Manchester City Football Club.
Relatives, teachers, and students past and current cried during the service, consoling each other as emotions ran wild across the compound.
Laing, who died leaving a one-year-old daughter, was one of three persons struck in a drive-by shooting while celebrating his birthday. He died on the spot.
The investigation into his murder is ongoing.