Government offers support to families of two people who died during Hurricane Beryl

The Government of Jamaica is expressing condolences and support to the families of Alrick Moncrieffe and Kayon Sterling who died as a result of the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their families during this difficult time. Hurricane Beryl has brought significant hardship to our nation, and any loss of life is a profound tragedy," A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister said.

It said Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports, Olivia Grange contacted Moncrieffe's family to speak with them and offer critical support on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

However, she was unable to establish direct contact with Sterling's family due to connectivity challenges in Hanover.

Grange noted that the members of the administration were deeply saddened when they were informed of the tragedies.

“Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones. We stand with them in this time of grief and sorrow, Grange said.

Moncrieffe, otherwise called 'Kalonji' and 'Lala', was playing football with friends on Wednesday in Arnett Gardens, St Andrew, when the ball fell into a gully and he rushed to retrieve it.

However, when he entered the gully, the force of the water, which swelled as a result of the heavy rains associated with Hurricane Beryl, reportedly carried him away.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old Sterling from Hanover was killed on Wednesday evening after a tree limb fell on her during the hurricane.

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