Alston High in Clarendon mourns death of groundsman killed in Manchester crash

Grief has descended on Alston High School in Clarendon following the death of 41-year-old groundsman Opheal Hyman, one of five people killed in separate road crashes across the island on Friday.

Hyman, of Santa Hill district, Spalding, Clarendon, died after his motorcycle collided with a Peterbilt 379 motor truck on the Nine Miles Main Road in Manchester.

Hyman’s passing has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across the school community and beyond.

Among those expressing sadness was the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI), Region 7, which issued a statement extending condolences to the principal, staff, students and the wider Alston High School family.

The region said it shared in the school community’s grief following Hyman’s “tragic” passing and prayed for comfort, strength and peace for his family, colleagues and others affected by his death.

According to the Spalding police, about 3:05 p.m., Hyman was travelling north along the roadway when he allegedly failed to keep left and collided with the truck, which was travelling in the opposite direction.

Hyman sustained several injuries and was transported to hospital, where he succumbed.

Speaking of the latest fatalities today, National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman Dr Lucien Jones warned of the heightened risks on the roads ahead of the new school year, with increased traffic expected. Jones said the council remains vigilant that “there will not be any further loss of lives and injuries to children and adults.”

- Olivia Brown

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.