The tight-knit community of Vineyard Town, St Andrew, was engulfed in sorrow on Thursday as residents grappled with the tragic death of 10-year-old Shamaire Sharpe. The young boy was struck by a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus on Fourth Avenue early that morning, shortly after accompanying his younger sister to school. The news of his untimely demise sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, leaving friends and neighbors in mourning. Described as a cheerful and helpful child, Shamaire was remembered fondly by those who knew him. ‘He was always playful and full of life, never causing any trouble,’ shared one resident, who witnessed the aftermath of the accident. Another neighbor recalled how Shamaire would visit his yard daily to play with his grandsons, highlighting the boy’s vibrant spirit. Shamaire’s mother, Theresa Hopkins, bravely spoke to the Jamaica Observer despite her overwhelming grief. She shared her son’s dreams of becoming a professional footballer and his academic excellence at Mountain View Primary School. Hopkins expressed her anguish and directed her anger toward the bus driver, Shamaire’s father, and other family members. Meanwhile, residents defended the bus driver, noting her typically cautious driving habits. The JUTC issued a statement expressing deep regret and extending condolences to the family. The company pledged full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation, including a breathalyser test for the driver and a thorough examination of the bus. The community was urged to remain calm and empathetic during this difficult time.