Jessie Ripoll Principal O’Neil Stevens Dies in an Accident. The entire community of Jamaica is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of O’Neil Stevens. He was the Principal of Jessie Ripoll Primary School. His wife, Camesha Lindsay-Stevens, also passed away.
The couple’s sudden and tragic deaths have left the community in shock. They were struck by a vehicle in the United States on Friday, January 3.
According to preliminary reports, Jessie Ripoll, the Principal, and his family were on vacation in the U.S. when the unfortunate incident occurred. They were traveling to an airport in South Carolina when their vehicle suffered a flat tire. The couple exited the car. A van hit them while they were doing so. This resulted in their deaths despite the efforts of emergency personnel who responded to the scene. The couple’s two children also sustained injuries in the accident.
Vice Principal Marsha Moodie-Benbow reacts to Jessie Ripoll Principal’s tragic passing
In a letter to the school community, Vice Principal Marsha Moodie-Benbow expressed that Mr. Stevens was not only an exemplary leader but also a beacon of inspiration and dedication. His vision for excellence in education had a lasting impact on our school community. His unwavering commitment to the holistic development of our students also made a significant impression. Alongside him, Mrs. Stevens was a supportive partner and a beloved presence in our extended school family, always contributing with grace and generosity. The passing of Jessie Ripoll Principal Stevens is a great loss.
We understand that this news will deeply affect all of us – students, parents, teachers, and staff alike. We encourage everyone to support one another during this challenging time.
The school is committed to supporting the students and their families during this difficult time. It will provide grief counseling through the Ministry of Education.
Principal Stevens’s passing has left an emotional void. It has also disrupted the school’s schedule. Students now return for the start of the Easter Term on Tuesday, a day later than planned, due to the death of Jessie Ripoll Principal Stevens.
In response to the tragedy, Dr. Mark Smith, President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, expressed his deep sadness, describing the event as “a huge shock.”
Dr. Smith also told Radio Jamaica News that the death of Mr. Stevens is a significant loss to Jessie Ripoll Primary School and the education system as a whole.