‘His path will not fade’ - Loved ones say final goodbye to Kevaughn Goldson

A heavy stillness hung over the sanctuary of Kings Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church along Windward Road, Kingston, yesterday, where mourners gathered in their numbers to say farewell to slain sprinter Kevaughn Goldson.

Few seats remained empty as family, friends, and former teammates said their final goodbyes.

Goldson, 23, was killed on February 23 in Jefferson City after he was fatally stabbed inside his apartment. Reports indicate that he was attacked multiple times during a dispute with his girlfriend, Denita Jackson.

Remembered for both his athletic promise and gentle spirit, Goldson's journey began at Alpha Primary School, where he formed lasting friendships and developed a love for sport. At Kingston College, he distinguished himself as both a footballer and a track and field athlete, while maintaining strong academic performance.

Shevar Tracey, a friend of 18 years, reflected on a bond forged in childhood and sustained across time and distance. He spoke quietly of shared beginnings on school fields and the long path they walked together through Alpha and Kingston College.

"About six of us continued this friendship from Alpha to K.C., and thinking that we were the same speed, me and Kevaughn tried out for the track team," Tracey recalled. "That was the day that I realised that I was very slow."

Despite making the school's track & field team, Goldson was determined to show his exploits on the football pitch as well.

"One summer we tried out for the Pepsi Under-14 team and we made it," Tracey recalled. "But after we made the team, the school lost their trophy after three years of winning. ... We progressed to the Under-16 and we lost again, breaking their winning streak," he said.

Kingston College had won consecutive Colts Under-16 titles in 2015 and 2016, before missing out in 2017.

"We were referred to as the salt persons on the team, but we trained very hard and we finally won a trophy," he said in reference to their 2018 triumph over St George's College.

"To make it even better, it was me who scored in the semi-final and Kevaughn scored in the finals, so after that we were not looked at being salt any more," Tracey said.

Goldson scored KC's first goal in the final.

Tracey said he felt a deep sense of pride when Goldson earned a scholarship to study overseas, describing it as the realisation of a dream rooted in discipline and determination. He was a stellar student at Kingston College, graduating with approximately 17 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations passes -- a testament to his dedication and intellect.

"I was very happy for him, and it did not change anything for us," he said.

"Almost every day we would find time, between our busy schedules, to play Free Fire and Call of Duty. He was very jovial and caring and respectful. For me, this is not goodbye as my friend will live in our hearts forever," Tracey said

With his voice measured, Tracey said "Though he has run his last race, the path he left behind will not fade."

At yesterday's funeral, tributes came in song and spoken words, each one carrying echoes of loss and remembrance. Those who knew him spoke of a young man who was respectful, warm, and full of promise--qualities that made his passing all the more difficult to accept.

In his sermon, Elder Graham urged mourners to seek strength in faith, reminding them of life's fragility and the importance of how one chooses to live.

"The number of years you live is not important," he said. "What is important is how you spent those years of your life."

He continued: "The scripture says we should live a life that is pleasing to God. One day all of us are going to die and Kevaughn cannot hear us but I just want his family to lean on God as he says he will never leave our forsake you and Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us but before you die, seek the Lord."

Goldson was laid to rest at Meadowrest Memorial Gardens.