Legendary Jamaican footballer Dennis ‘Den Den’ Hutchinson has died

The local football fraternity is mourning the death of legendary schoolboy footballer, Dennis 'Den Den' Hutchinson, who passed away Wednesday morning after a prolonged illness.

Hutchinson, also an outstanding basketball coach, who led Tivoli All Stars to five straight national titles, was 63 years old.

The former Clarendon College, Boys' Town and Tivoli Gardens winger, for many years had a troublesome foot, which he was forced to have amputated a few weeks ago.

However, since being discharged from hospital, it was reported that he was not recovering well and as a result had to be re-admitted to hospital on Sunday.

Hutchinson was also a key member of the 1977 Clarendon College team, along with Lenworth Hyde, that won the Oliver Shield and dominated local schoolboy football.

He had helped Tivoli Gardens to the Manning Cup title as a player the previous season, but defected to Clarendon College after he was shot in a community incident that same year.

He and Hyde left Clarendon on a scholarship to Alabama University and then to Medgar Evers College. Both players also represented Boys' Town and their home club Tivoli.

Hyde was devastated when The Gleaner spoke with him.

"It happened early this (Wednesday) morning. He had amputated his leg three weeks ago but since then he hasn't been eating or retaining anything, he keeps vomiting up whatever he eats.

"They carried him back into the hospital and he was doing better but then we heard he passed. I am devastated," he said.

"He's my friend. He was a great player, the only forward I see go by defenders without even trying.

"He was a humanitarian and a joyful person and there was never a dull minute around Den Den,” he said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com

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