The Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church community in Trelawny is grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of 70-year-old deacon Oscar Russell, who was struck by a motorcycle while departing church services late Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred directly outside the church premises, witnessed by several congregation members who were present at the entrance at the time of the collision.
According to eyewitness accounts, the violent impact threw Russell between the church wall and a utility pole, requiring emergency responders to extract him from the narrow space. The motorcycle operator also sustained severe injuries, particularly to the head, and was transported to medical facilities in critical condition.
Both individuals were rushed to Falmouth Public General Hospital, where Russell unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist remains hospitalized under intensive care.
Pastor Ronald Blissett, head of the Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church, was ministering at another location when notified of the catastrophic event. He described the congregation as ‘shell-shocked’ by the sudden loss and the traumatic nature of the incident. The church has implemented emergency counseling services and additional support systems to help members process the emotional trauma.
Russell, a resident of Montego Bay, St. James, was characterized as a devout member who regularly traveled to Wakefield for Sabbath worship services. Preliminary investigations suggest he was returning to the church building after crossing the road when the collision occurred.
The tragedy has evoked painful memories for Trelawny residents, recalling a similar incident in April 2019 when 55-year-old Montego Bay Red Cap porter Romeal Wilson was fatally struck by a motorcycle in the adjacent community of Bounty Hall. Wilson had been attending his mother’s wake at the time of that previous accident.
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest incident while the community mourns the loss of a respected religious leader and supports those affected by the traumatic event.