Troubled doctor found dead at UHWI
Published:Friday | February 28, 2025 | 12:12 AMTanesha Mundle/Staff Reporter
A medical practitioner who was found dead in his car on Thursday, in a suspected case of suicide, reportedly had been struggling with mental challenges.
The deceased, identified as 29-year-old Dr Mark-Anthony Williams, of Independence City in Portmore, St Catherine, was employed at The University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew.
His body was found at the back of doctors’ quarters on the hospital compound shortly after 10 a.m.
Head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Superintendent Mark Harris, told The Gleaner that Williams’ death appeared to be a suicide. He said further that Williams had a mental health issue and was on medication.
According to reports, Williams’ family grew concerned and began searching for him yesterday after he failed to return home. His phone was tracked to an area at the hospital.
Williams was subsequently found unresponsive by another medical doctor. The Papine police were called to the scene, where his body was discovered with what appeared to be blood coming from his nose and mouth.
The hospital, in a statement yesterday, expressed sympathies to Williams’ friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
However, it indicated that the matter was under investigation and that the hospital could not provide further comment.
“Out of respect for the privacy of the deceased’s family and friends, we are not at liberty to discuss any further details publicly,” the hospital’s statement read.
“We ask for sensitivity and understanding as we allow the necessary processes to take place.”
In the meantime, Williams’ death has left his colleagues in shock.
One of his grieving colleagues told The Gleaner that he had graduated from medical school with Williams in 2020.
“I feel shocked. Devastated. I’ve never experienced anything like this – where a colleague, someone I used to work with, dies so suddenly,” said the doctor.
“People are shocked, and we still need to know the details,” he added.
Get mental help
If you are struggling or need to talk to someone about your or someone else’s mental health, contact the Jamaica Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Helpline at (888) 639-5433.
The helpline is a service provided by Ministry of Health and Wellness, providing mental health support over phone to the Jamaican public.