UPDATE: 'My uncle was a very dedicated family man' – Terecia C. Hodge
Ms Terecia C. Hodge is a niece of the late Randolph Heskey who said that if nothing else persons need to know that he loved his family very dearly. “He really loved family. He would do anything for a family. He was the type that would go seeking out anyone that is said to be related to him,” she told Virgin Islands News Online.
Jawa as he was commonly called was fished out of the sea at the CSY Dock at Baugher’s Bay early this morning where he was believed to have been exercising and bathing a horse when he drowned. “That was something thing he has been doing for almost all his life. Since I was a little girl I remember my uncle with horses,” related Ms Hodge.
She said that he used to exercise the horses in the sea almost every morning between the hours of 3:00am – 5:00am but couldn’t figure out what might have gone wrong this morning. “I really don’t know much but I am already missing my uncle,” said the woman as she struggled to contain herself from bursting into tears.
She said that she last saw Heskey yesterday afternoon. “I know I was going to wake up this morning to passing and seeing him right there chilling under the tree by Star Shipping but I was awaken to be told that he is dead, that’s so shocking.”
She said that Heskey was a very close friend of the owner of Star Shipping where he would periodically do small jobs there. “He used to do little jobs here and there,” she said.
Randolph has left to mourn in addition to many loved ones and friends, his two children and one grandchild. He lost his Nineteen year-old son Javeron Heskey, who was killed on January 18, 2012 outside Crystal Night Club.
In a press release earlier today the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force Public Relations unit said that Officers were called to the scene early this morning, March 21, 2014, where the body of a male was being recovered from the waters near CSY dock. “Cause of death is still to be determined. Investigations are ongoing,” it said.
See earlier story published on March 21, 2014
Horse trainer drowned at Baugher's Bay beach
BAUGHER'S BAY, Tortola, VI - Word reaching our newsroom is that a man has drowned this morning, March 21, 2014, in the vicinity of the CSY dock at Baugher's Bay beach.
Virgin Islands News Online understands that the victim has been identified as Randolph Heskey known as ‘Jawa’ of Purcell, who perished while swimming a champion horse at the Baugher’s Bay Beach.
Police Public Relations Officer Ms Diane Drayton told this news site, “I can confirm that the body of a male was recovered from the waters near CSY Dock. Reports suggested that he was swimming in the area prior to the incident.”
According to VISAR's Phil Aspinal they did receive a call from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force alluding to a man being missing. He said that they subsequently returned a call shortly after indicating that one Bobby Hodge got the man out. "They didn’t say dead or alive."
Aspinal said that it was his understanding that the man was out with his horse, the horse returned without the owner and an alarm was raised. Mr Hodge who reportedly was taking his usual morning walk responded and went out at sea and retrieved the man.
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42 Responses to “UPDATE: 'My uncle was a very dedicated family man' – Terecia C. Hodge”
On another note, why are we afraid to call the horse name or the farm name?
"Jawa" will most certainly be missed. To his mother Ms. Veronica, his sister "Pat" and his brother "Podggie", our deepest sympathy. May your fond memories of "Jawa" and the fact that many grieve his loss with you, comfort you during this very sad time.
Best regards,
From a childhood friend from Huntum's Ghut