T&T's football fraternity was plunged into mourning for the second time in as many months, yesterday, following the death of another national footballer Kevon Carter, who passed away following an apparent massive heart attack.The 30-year-old winger was in training with his club Defence Force in Volunteers Ground, Macqueripe, when Carter complained of chest pains and nausea and was taken to the Coast Guard Medical Inspection Room for care. The Lance Corporal was immediately seen by the Defence Force Medical Officer who stabilised him before sending him via ambulance to the St James Hospital for treatment. Carter succumbed enroute to hospital, all attempts to revive him by the Defence Force and Hospital medical personnel were unsuccessful.
Carter, who scored five goals in 31 national appearances, is the second national player in under two months to die of heart complications. In December, 22-year-old former youth and senior national defender Akeem Adams died while in a coma at a clinic, in Budapest, Hungary. Just over a week before Adams' death, Carter's Defence Force teammate, 34-year-old Lance Corporal Rawle Fletcher was shot and killed outside a bar in Couva.
Carter was regarded as one of the most promising local-based players in his youth, finishing the sixth highest goal scorer in the 2004 Pro League competition at 20 years old. In 2010, Carter suffered a major set back when he was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge which left him with a broken right leg in a First Citizens Cup match against St Ann's Rangers. He then recovered to finish third top scorer in the 2012/2013 TT Pro League competition. It was his fourth appearance in the Pro League top ten goalscorers chart, a feat only attained by only six other players.Several Army players who gathered at the St James hospital expressed shock at their teammate's sudden death.
Carter's club and national teammate Devorn Jorsling said: "This is something unbelievable to all of us right now. One minute Kevon was right there with us and then after we're hearing he didn't make it."Jorsling was present at the session when Carter began experiencing chest pains. "He went to the side and our medics attended to him and then he was rushed to the Cocorite Hospital. Then we got the news that he passed."This a massive shock for all of us but also devastating to see one of your brothers go and will not return to be with us." Minister of Sport Anil Roberts was also saddened by Carter's death.Roberts described him as a dedicated and patriot."Kevon was a strong young man who gave ten years' dedicated service to the national team from Under-23 to senior level, playing most recently in the 2013 Concacaf Gold Cup. It is extremely disheartening to hear this news but I hope it serves as a wake-up call to all of us to pay closer attention to our health and wellness."
He said, "When death comes so suddenly, it is always shocking and difficult to understand but I hope Kevon's family and friends will cherish the time he spent with them."In a release from the Defence Force yesterday said: "The Chief of Defence staff, officers, men and women of the T&T Defence Force join with the family and friends in mourning the loss of a fine junior leader, warrior and sportsman. May they receive strength and guidance from Almighty God during their time of grief."At the time of his passing, he was employed at the Defence Force Headquarters, Airways Road, Chaguaramas.Carter leaves to mourn his mother Yvette Carter and his two daughters Keishanna and Kiara.Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as they are finalised.