Track & Field star Germaine Mason dies in Jamaica motorbike crash
Germaine Mason, the British Olympian who took home silver in the high jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has died after a motorcycle crash in Jamaica.
Germaine Mason, the British Olympian who took home silver in the high jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, has died after a motorcycle crash in Jamaica.
Mason, who was born in Jamaica, represented Great Britain starting in 2006 but was good friends with Usain Bolt, who was on the scene shortly after the crash on Thursday.
“Usain Bolt was part of the group that came by and he was very, very emotional, and still is,” said Senior Superintendent Calvin Allen, adding, “I understand they are very close friends.”
Allen told the BBC that Mason had been traveling from the direction of the airport when the crash occurred.
“Our information suggests he lost control of the motorcycle and fell to the ground and received serious injuries, mainly to his face, head and upper body,” he said. “The evidence suggests he was not wearing a protective helmet. He was transported to hospital in Kingston where he was sadly pronounced dead. A number of his friends and associates were on the scene. I understand they arrived as soon as they heard. ”
Allen added, “He was a person who was well loved by many. It is a very mournful time in Jamaica. The entire country grieves for this standout athlete. It is very, very sad. We want to express our deepest condolences at the untimely death.”
After the crash, Jamaica prime minister Andrew Holness tweeted: “Our sincere condolences to the entire sporting fraternity.”
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