Teen killed in December crash laid to rest

The celebration for the life of 17-year-old Rodrique Frank, a former student of William Knibb High School, was held on Saturday at the Hastings Baptist Church in Deeside, Trelawny.

Rodrique passed away on December 11, days after he was involved in a road crash. He was reportedly on his way home from an event in Deeside when he lost control of his motorcycle, resulting in a crash. Passers-by discovered him along the roadway and took him to the hospital. The National Road Safety Council reported that 364 people died last year in crashes. Motorcyclists accounted for the majority of the deaths, with 122, followed by pedestrians, at 68, and private motor car drivers, at 63.

On Saturday, the church was packed to the rafters while the church yard and street were equally crammed as persons came to pay respect to Rodrique. The sight of persons all around the location drew the attention of Reverend Carlton Lynch, prompting him to remark, "Young people come out like bush".

"This was a tribute to the kind of life the young man Frank lived. He was caring, mannerly and obedient to his parents," said Lynch.

Eric Frank, Rodrique's father, described the experience of dealing with his son's death as a living hell.

"I am like a man in hell. Not a day pass without me thinking about it. Years will go by before I can get over it," he said. Rodrique's mother, Trish-Ann Shaw, was at a loss for words. "I don't know what to say. I can't talk about it," she told THE STAR.

Principal of William Knibb, Linvern Wright, had fond memories of Rodrique who was recommended to do eight subjects in his external exams.

"I remember him as a quiet, obedient and friendly student. He took his school work seriously. He introduced me to his mother Trish-Ann and we have been friends since," said Wright.

The principal added, "The sort of camaraderie he had among his fellow grade 11 students was exemplified in how they took the news of his death. Tears flowed freely and they were so traumatised that a social studies exam scheduled for that morning had to be postponed."

Shereta Pinnock and Sherese Watson shared the duty of delivering the eulogy. They talked about the life of Rodrique, who was known as "Coolie bwoy".

"Nobody could touch him unless given permission. He went to basic and primary schools in Deeside before ending up at William Knibb. He was always top of his class or near the top. Rodrique was tech savvy and was always fixing a phone or a tablet," they read. "His ambition was to be a soldier. Not out on the street but in the office where he could continue his love for technology."