Former T&T international winger, Kevon Carter, who died of a heart attack last week, will be laid to rest following a full military funeral service at the Trinidad Christian Centre, Corner of Morne Coco Road and Simeon Road, Petit Valley, tomorrow, from 10 am.
Carter, a 30-year-old lance corporal died following a training session with his club Defence Force, at Volunteers Ground, Macqueripe, last Friday. He reportedly complained of chest pains, before being rushed to the Cocorite Community Hospital but died before he could receive treatment. Defence Force players and staff convened at the hospital where they learnt of the tragic news.
The club was continuing its preparations for the CFU Club Championship Cup, as well as the local T&T Pro League competition. Carter appeared on the TT Pro League top 10 goal scorers for four seasons. He successfully recovered from a broken leg in 2010, to rejoin Defence Force and ultimately the national team.
He became the second active Defence Force player to pass away in three month. Three days before last Christmas, veteran Army defender Rawle Fletcher was gunned down and killed outside a bar near to his home in Couva.
Carter also became the second national team casualty in as many months. A week after Fletcher’s death, former national U-17, U-20 and senior team defender Akeem Adams died at the age of 22 after falling into a coma.
Russell advised that he, his coaching staff and teammates of Carter underwent a group therapy session on Wednesday to help deal with their loss. “I’m taking it one step at a time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Point Fortin Civic FC head coach and former national midfielder Reynold Carrington, who had a similar experience in dealing with the loss of Adams in December, was also troubled by the football fraternity’s latest loss and offered condolences to the family and teammates of Carter. “I know it is a big blow for them, losing a teammate and now to trying to recover from their loss,” said Carrington.
“We at Point Fortin have recovered in some way, but you can never replace a loved one. Akini Adams (goalkeeper at Point Fortin Civic) is coming around since the passing of his brother Akeem. The football is doing a lot for him, in overcoming the loss, and his teammates have been very helpful. Together they can use to sport to help in their recovery.”