A week after suffering severe internal injuries when his van crashed along the Solomon Hochoy Highway, steelpan icon Ken “Professor” Philmore has died from a cardiac arrest. Philmore, who was sedated following major surgery at the San Fernando General Hospital on Wednesday, was put on life support at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on Sunday morning as he could have no longer breathe on his own. Philmore subsequently suffered a cardiac arrest and despite attempts by doctors to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead at 9.05 am. His wife, Sophia was standing in the lobby at the time of his death. South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA) Medical Director of Health Dr Albert Persaud told the Trinidad Guardian that medical staff did everything they could to save Philmore, but his injuries were critical. Persaud said that since Philmore was found at the side of the Solomon Hochoy Highway on Republic Day, he was in a critical condition as he suffered severe injuries to his ribs and lungs. “He was really critical from the time he was found. We did everything possible and he got the best treatment that T&T could have afforded him, which was as good as anywhere else in the world. Sometimes people sustain injuries that put them on a very critical list. We, of course, are taken aback by his passing, but he was badly injured," Persaud said. According to reports, Philmore, 59, of Maracas, St Joseph was driving north along the highway around 8.45 am on September 24 when on approaching the Claxton Bay overpass, his Toyota Hilux pick-up skidded on the roadway. The pickup skidded several times before landing in the bushes at the side of the highway. Philmore was thrown from the pick-up. His wife Sophia said that he had performed a gig on the previous night and was returning home. Officers from the Highway Patrol Unit found him and took him to the hospital where he immediately underwent a Computerised Tomography scan which showed fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He then underwent a procedure to remove fluid from his lungs.
On Tuesday, he underwent surgery to stem the internal haemorrhaging and was taken to the ICU. However, he suffered two heart attacks and doctors sedated him to allow him a chance of recovery.
Former minister of community development, culture and gender affairs, Joan Yuille-Williams said Philmore’s death was a great loss to the nation as there was no pannist like him. Williams, who was at the San Fernando General Hospital after meeting with Sophia, said she had to leave a boot at the PNM’s international election polling station when she heard the news. She said when he heard of the accident, she didn’t think it was that serious and it was why his death shocked her. “I could not believe it and that was the reason why I hustled like that. I had to come to the hospital myself to really believe that it was so. We were really good friends,” Williams said. She said she would remember him by the love he shared, even when he played his music. She said Philmore was always willing to share the knowledge of music with young players and during her time as a minister, he would volunteer to help youngsters. “He is very difficult to replace. I can tell you that. Yes, we have talented players, but there was sometimes special about the Professor. He lived up to his name, the Professor: one of our best teachers of the music.” San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello said it was a sad day for the city as it had lost a son of the soil. Philmore, who grew up in Pleasantville, San Fernando, spent his early steel pan days at Hatter’s pan yard. Regrello said Philmore was charismatic and everything that the steelpan represented. “I don’t know how we will treat with this. It is a loss for us as his talents epitomised the soul and the character of the instrument. If you had seen him performed, you’d understand what I am talking about,” Regrello said. The mayor said he had already sent a message to Sophia stating that the San Fernando City Corporation stands ready to assist with funeral arrangements.