Sun | Sep 21, 2025

Football fraternity plunged into mourning over Howell’s passing

Published:Tuesday | May 27, 2025 | 3:26 AM
Waterhouse’s Hugh Howell (left) attempts to shield the ball from Benfica’s captain Andrew Dixon during a Digicel Premier League encounter at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium in 2011. Waterhouse won 4-0.
Ian Allen
Waterhouse’s Hugh Howell (left) attempts to shield the ball from Benfica’s captain Andrew Dixon during a Digicel Premier League encounter at the Waterhouse Mini Stadium in 2011. Waterhouse won 4-0.

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC):

JAMAICAN FOOTBALLER Hugh Howell tragically collapsed and died on Sunday while scrimmaging.

The 39-year-old Howell, known as a hard-tackling enforcer, represented Waterhouse FC and Humble Lion in the Jamaican Premier League (JPL).

He was a member of Waterhouse’s championship-winning side in 2005-2006 before moving on to Humble Lion in 2013, where he helped the Clarendon side become serious title contenders during his spell.

When Howell’s playing days ended at Humble Lion, he dabbled in coaching at Vere Technical High School.

Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, paid his tribute.

“So sad. Hugh and I had a good relationship. RIP my friend,” Ricketts wrote on social media.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle said Howell was a “true leader” whose contribution to football was immense.

“He left Excelsior and came straight to us. He was a hard worker, no-nonsense player, and played for the shirt. He will be missed,” Gayle said.

Andrew Price, who coached Howell at Humble Lion, said: “Condolences to the family of the man called ‘Gorilla’. He was a great servant of the game. RIP Balla”.