SEVENTEEN YEAR-old Akeem Ashmeade has not slept since his parents died tragically in a car accident on July 20 of this year. With puffy eyes, the Jose Marti High School student explained that he only sleeps for a few hours during the day.

Akeem, who was reserved in an interview with The Gleaner, says, "Dem used to cuss mi say mi love bed." However, all of that has changed. He remembers his mother as playful and someone who always goes the extra mile to ensure that his needs are met. With a sad look on his face and between short sentences, he explained that his father was firmer and always took time out to explain what is wrong from right.

Michael and Chisholm Ashmeade, Akeem's parents, were to celebrate their wedding anni-versary the day after they died in a tragic accident on Weymouth Drive while on their way home from a convention. It was the first time the couple was planning a celebration, but they did not live to see this materialise.

Best friends

In life, the couple were best friends, and so, too, were they close in death.

"They were the best couple I ever meet and I believe God know why him tek di two a dem one time. One couldn't go before the other," said Diana Knight, a friend of the family.

Knight said she and an aunt had to spend extra time at the home comforting the children, especially Akeem, who broke down with shock the night his parents died.

"Jody, Akeem's sister, will stay in her mother's bedroom most times, looking at pictures of her parents over and over," said Knight, referring to the couple's daughter, Donejra.

When The Gleaner arrived at the family house last Friday, community members were offering help with the funeral arrangements. A thanksgiving service for the couple was held on Sunday.

Hoshane Gordon, Akeem's friend, said that before the accident, Akeem was jovial and friendly, but this has changed.

Model couples

"Now, him go by himself and him always a look pon him phone because him father picture deh pon it," an emotional Gordon said, adding that he cannot find the strength to cheer up his friend.

Michael Thorney, who has been the couple's neighbour for more than five years, described them as "lovey-dovey", friendly, helpful and cooperative.

"I remember them as one of the model couples in the community. I have never seen or heard them exhibiting any anger or hostility to each other," he said.