It was not easy for the King family who reside at Mottley Land, Bank Hall, St Michael, yesterday.
The house was engulfed in sorrow as they mourned the death of their own 15-year-old Thyrike Worrell who, according to police reports, was found dead in the washroom of Chefette Restaurant at Marhill Street, The City, Friday around 3 p.m.
Thyrike’s mother Shermain King was overwhelmed with grief and could not stay at her mother’s residence, where they lived, after the incident.
Matriarch Ismay King said many people in the community and family friends visited to ask about her well-being but noted that talking about the incident was taking a toll on her.
The 70-year-old admitted that the death of her only grandchild was heartbreaking but managed to hold back tears to recall memories of the former Fredrick Smith pupil whom she described as a “loving granny’s boy” who enjoyed her cooked meals and company.
“He used to help his mother wash clothes, and if I asked him to do anything, he would. Thursday evening when I got home he came out the house and gave me a big hug. He said he was happy to see me, but a neighbour said he was only looking to see what I brought home for him. He used to compliment me when I go to the hairdresser and say that I looked like a young girl.”
Ismay also said Thyrike liked pretending to drive at home while in the bathroom and she used to laugh when he hit the door saying: “Speightstown with seats and moving.”
She said she was still in shock, but prayer had comforted her. She recalled the last conversation she had with her grandson.
“Friday I asked him if he had bus fare as he went into The City for a haircut, but I didn’t know it was going to be the last thing I said to him. Shermain told me that while he was in town with her he said his belly was hurting, so she told him to use the bathroom in Chefette.”
Thyrike, who also attended the Wesley Hall Primary School, died before medical personnel arrived at the restaurant in Marhill Street.
The family suspect the asthmatic had an attack but are awaiting the results of a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
He turned 15 on November 17 and had entered senior school in September. (SB)
