International Footballer Shahdon Winchester Dies In Car Crash

Trinidad and Tobago international footballer, Shahdon Winchester has died at the age of 27 after he was involved in a fireball car crash on Thursday morning (Dec.19).

The winger and his girlfriend who is yet to be named was one of four people who died during the fatal car accident on Sir Solomon Hochoy Highway in Trinidad. 

Winchester was driving his Nissan X-Trail when he collided with a telephone pole which led to his vehicle being engulfed in flames. He was left trapped inside the car and died soon after.

The body of the footballer was removed alongside his girlfriend and two other men from the car after 9am by firefighters.

President of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association William Wallace expressed condolences and shock upon hearing the news of the player’s death.

“I got the news from our press officer early this morning and I thought something was wrong with the phone. I questioned whether I was hearing right.  I am still in a deep state of shock and sadness. I managed Shahdon during my time with the senior team and what I experienced was a young man that was humble, well mannered, soft spoken and an individual with big dreams and ambitions,” Wallace said.

“It is times like this that put our faith to the test. We cannot begin to imagine what his mother and other family members are going through right now. All we can do is keep them in our prayers and send all our love and support in this most difficult time. To his mother, your son was a fine young man and we are grateful for the memories and positive influences he would have had on others.I know that it is difficult to understand tragedies like this, but we can call on our faith to help us deal with them. We will continue to pray for his soul and for you to receive the strength needed during this time.

Condolences to the families of the other deceased occupants of the vehicle. We at the TTFA also extend our deepest sympathy to the management and players of W Connection Football Club. I reached out to the club’s CEO Renee John-Williams immediately to express my sympathy and to send our love and support to all those affected within the club.  I know this will be an extremely difficult time for them,” Wallace continued.

World football governing body, FIFA, have also taken to Twitter to mourn his death. 

FIFA tweeted: 'Our thoughts are with the family, friends and team-mates of Shahdon Winchester following the tragic news of his passing.'

The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association tweeted: 'Tragic and Heartbreaking news just coming to hand. Trinidad and Tobago forward Shahdon Winchester has been confirmed as one of the persons who have died in a vehicular accident this morning in Gasparillo. This is truly tragic news for us. May his Soul Rest In Eternal Peace.'

The footballer leaves behind a three-year-old daughter who was born in November 2016.

Shahdon Winchester, who made 23 International caps for Trinidad & Tobago also played for W Connection (Trinidad & Tobago), Song Lam Nghe An (Vietnam), FF Jaro (Finland), Murcielagos (Mexico), Kapaz (Azerbaijan) and SJK (Finland). He made 208 career appearances and scored 78 goals.