The President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Captain Horace Burrell, the Board and staff of the JFF would like to express condolence to the family, former teammates, friends and associates of Arnett Gardens player, Nico Collins, who passed on Tuesday January 12, 2010 just under a month short of his 20th birthday.

Collins who attended Trench Town Comprehensive and represented Arnett Gardens at the youth level then moved to Cavaliers before returning to Arnett Gardens two seasons ago died after collapsing in training.

“As a parent and one who has lost a child I know that it rips the heart out to lose a child and especially one at the prime of his life. I know it must be painful for his parents, relatives and club members but know that we are a family and we support you through your grief,” Captain Burrell said.

He added: “As difficult and unfathomable as the situation is, I implore you to take comfort in Lamentations 3:31-33 which says: ‘For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”

Collins is survived by father Louis Collins, mother Paula Levy, stepmother Merdel Gayle, brothers and sisters.