Cummings hailed as ‘outstanding photographer’

World 100 and 200 metres record holder, Olympian Usain Bolt, was among those who paid tribute to award-winning photographer Bryan Cummings, who died on Friday night at the age of 56.

In a post on Twitter yesterday, Bolt wrote, “RIP #BryanCummings Sincere condolences to your family.

Cummings, the Jamaica Observer’s photo editor, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Also paying tribute to Cummings was Minister of Sport Olivia Grange, who heralded his work in capturing extraordinary moments in Jamaica’s sporting history, specifically relating to athletics. In a release yesterday, she celebrated the life of a “truly outstanding photographer”.

“Bryan was blessed with that eye that all great photographers possess. His enduring legacy will be his work in sport, where, through his photographs, he told the story of a glorious period in Jamaica sport, particularly track and field,” she said.

The Gleaner Media Company Limited’s Chief Photo Editor Ricardo Maykn said that his passing has left a “huge void in the photojournalism field”.

INSPIRATIONAL

“Bryan Cummings has served as an inspiration to me and many others, breaking that glass ceiling of covering international sporting events on a consistent basis. I myself have had many fond memories working with him from covering ISSA Boys and Girls’ Championships, World Championships, and the Olympic Games,” he told The Sunday Gleaner. “He will be missed. Condolences to his family members.”

Cummings made his name covering sports for the Jamaica Observer since joining in December 1994. He was well known, especially in athletics, where he covered numerous Olympic Games and World Championships.

Jamaica Observer Executive Editor – Publications, Vernon Davidson, in saluting Cummings, described him as “one of the best photographers to have worked in print media in Jamaica”.