Stern John’s daughter passes away

According to reports, the 19-year-old Nikela suffered a seizure and died at her home in Cunupia. It is still unclear though what is the actual cause of her death.

Stern John is part of Dennis Lawrence’s technical staff and the death of his daughter occurred virtually 24 hours before yesterday’s friendly international against Barbados at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva.

Ironically, this is the second time that Stern John had to deal with the death of a loved one before an international match. On September 2 2011, his mother Janet Burns passed away but, the following day, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo, he played for 53 minutes as Trinidad and Tobago defeated Bermuda 1-0 in a 2012 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

The TT FA media release stated, “John was on his way to a national team practice session at (the) Ato Boldon Stadium when he received a phone call that his daughter was not well. He was excused from the session and rushed to the scene at her home.

She was pronounced dead later (on Thursday) evening.

“Nikela was born in Trinidad but lived with John during his playing time in Birmingham from a tender age before returning to Trinidad,” the media release continued. “She was a student of Holy Name Convent and (was) in her final year at COST AATT .” Offering condolences to the John family was David John-Williams, president of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TT FA).

“My thoughts and prayers are with Stern today,” said John-Williams.

“This is indeed a difficult time for him and his family, as well as our TT FA family. As (TT FA) president, I will like to urge Stern to stay strong.” Lawrence also gave words of comfort to his former TT teammate.

“We want to extend our condolences to Stern and his family, and also let him know that we have him in our thoughts and we share in this time of grief with him.

“We know that no amount of words can really help to ease the pain he is bearing but we pray that the comfort of God helps him and his family through this difficult time,” he added. “Stern is one of us and we give him the time and support he needs right now and welcome him back at the appropriate time.” Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Darryl Smith, in a brief statement yesterday, commented, “Being a father of three daughters I cannot imagine what it feels like if I were to lose any of them. At this time, words may not console but may God bring you and your family solace. Stay strong Stern.” Stern John is also an assistant coach with three-time Digicel Pro League champions Central FC and its owner Brent Sancho who played alongside John for several years said: “Outside of Central FC, he’s one of my very close friends and I spent most of my afternoon yesterday (Thursday) trying to comfort him. He knows as a human being I am there to give every support I can.

It’s really shocking,” Stern’s oldest son, 19 year old Tyrik, is currently a player at Central FC and is said to be very close to his sister.