Sigma shocker - death mars successful event

Reshima Kelly, a woman who was photographed hugging Alicia Prince moments before the start of the Sagicor Sigma Corporate 5K Run yesterday, used the social-media website Facebook to air her pain about the death of her colleague, even as she conceded that the untimely death of the fitness freak may have been part of God's plan.

"I'm usually very positive about things, despite what it is, but Lord knows I'm struggling today. When I ran in your pic this morning, I would never imagine it would be our final embrace," Reshima wrote.

Prince, a 36-year-old participant in the 17th staging of the run, died suddenly yesterday morning after collapsing during the race. She was an employee of the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

"Anybody [who] knows me knows the bond with the people from NCB Customer Care is very tight as we are the epitome of a family. It's our home and foundation. As I looked at your lifeless body today, I was reminded that when we leave, we take nothing with us. Makes you wonder, what's life?" Kelly wrote.

"You exercised and you tried to live a fit life. Fit with God and physical fitness Ö . You were a passionate woman about the things that interest you. Sports, politics and KC (Kingston College). I never understood your affiliation with the school until you explained. I swear you are the only female that attended that school," she added.

Another associate of Prince's described her as a "passionate person"and expressed shock at the tragedy.

"She was always working out. I see her a lot in the gym, so I was surprised when I heard she fell," the colleague said.

In a release from Sagicor Group Limited, President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Byles expressed condolences to Prince's family, coworkers, and friends.

Prince was a member of the NCB team, which eventually won the participation award for the largest company team.

"Our deepest sympathies are with Ms Prince's family," said Byles.

IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION

Sagicor said Prince was treated by doctors in the vicinity of West Kings House Road. She was also said to have received immediate treatment from a medical team before being taken to Andrews Memorial Hospital.

Meet director and road race organiser Alfred 'Franno' Francis said this was the third event he had been at where a death occurred.

"When I had the second occasion like that, I even thought maybe I would stop doing road racing. But for the greater good that it serves in helping and in saving lives, I am continuing," he said.

Francis also pointed out that there were world-class medical services at the event.

Over $26 million was raised in the Sagicor Sigma Run, and a cheque was presented to the Neonatal Unit of the Cornwall Regional Hospital and the Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation at an award ceremony following the run.

"We are totally overwhelmed by the support because at the present time, it is the foundation that purchases the majority of the supplies that are needed for these poor children and we need help," said one of the beneficiaries, Dr Mayolynne Miller of the Jamaica Kidney Kids Foundation, in a release sent to the media.

Dr Tracey Evans-Gilbert also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Neonatal Unit of the Cornwall Regional Hospital.

"I just want to say thanks Sigma and Jamaica, I can't express my gratitude. You are helping a lot of little babies," Evans-Gilbert said.