Clarendon teen killed in crash wanted to be a pilot

Karleen Thompson knew something was wrong with her 19-year-old son Shamoy Thompson, even before she got the devastating news on Saturday that he died in a three-vehicle collision on the Bustamante Highway, metres away from Savanna Cross in Clarendon.

About 11 a.m., Shamoy told his mother that he was on his way home in a taxi. However, when he did not reach his Longville Park home, the mother became concerned.

"I didn't hear any news and I just had this feeling - I felt hot, cold, faint, weak ... His youngest sister was helping me to tidy the house and I said, 'Britney and Ashley, something is wrong with Shamoy'," she recalled.

Thompson said she called the police station expressing her concern regarding her son. She was wondering if he was caught up in the state of emergency operation in the parish. The police told her he might be caught in traffic as there was a major accident on the highway.

Emotionally disturbing

Thompson said she didn't hesitate but went straight to the May Pen Hospital.

"From the way they were acting, I could tell something was wrong with my son...I didn't wait, I just went straight to Witter and Son's Funeral Home...and it was there I identified him," she said, trying to keep her emotions under control.

"Since Saturday it has been an emotionally disturbing roller coaster. I have not eaten, have not had a good night's rest. I am so down and broken. His siblings are taking it hard. His bigger brother stopped talking, his little sister crying, his middle brother, who is usually reserved and quiet, is dealing with it by being overly active," Thompson said.

Reflecting on the life of her son, Thompson said he was very ambitious. She said he had dreams of being an airline pilot. In fact, just last Monday, she started looking about getting him started on his pre-aviation course.

"He was my everything. He was kind, selfless, caring, and mature for his age. He was the kind of person who would take up everybody's business - in a good way," she shared.

Her son, who was an active member of the Longville Park Football Club, was also one who looked out for others in the community.

Thompson, a lecturer at The Mico University College, said Shamoy kept all her bank cards, and he basically 'managed' her affairs.