ARIMA North Secondary football coach Wayne Sheppard reflected on the tragic death of former 17-year-old footballer and student Ezekiel Ramdialsingh, describing him as a talented young man whose work ethic and passion for football set him apart.

Ramdialsingh, who also ran a car wash at his family’s home in Phase Four La Horquetta, Arima, was shot and killed on April 15 after returning from a political meeting.

He had been liming with friends at a shop in Phase Four when a gunman approached the group and opened fire before running away.

"He was a young man who hustled to make money to help pay for his school books, to help his mother, and to take some strain off of the family because they're not well-to-do."

Sheppard described Ramdialsingh as a gifted footballer who was not academically strong but believed he had the potential to succeed in the classroom if he had applied the same discipline he showed on the field.

"With every game, he improved."

Asked if he had spoken to Ramdialsingh’s family, Sheppard said he had sent messages but was waiting to call, wanting to give them time to grieve in peace.

He also warned young men in vulnerable communities, urging them to be mindful of the company they keep.

"You may have a friend you grew up with who’s fallen into a life of crime. You have a decision to make. They’re going down a path you don’t want to follow."

Sheppard said, to his knowledge, Ramdialsingh was not involved in any criminal activity.

"I knew him as a hard-working young man."

Though he admitted Ramdialsingh did lime with the wrong crowd sometimes, which he believes may have tragically cost the teen his life.

"We have a group chat for all our players, past and present, and I told them this morning, 'The company you keep will determine whether you see another day.'"

Sheppard issued another message to other young men.

"Be strong enough to think independently. Don’t give in to peer pressure or feel the need to prove yourself through negative behaviour. You must stay grounded, trust in what your parents taught you and stay on the path you’re writing for yourself."

Sheppard also lamented the recent death of 23-year-old footballer Jerry Morris, who was shot and killed by police on March 19. Describing it as another unfortunate loss, which he said pointed to a broader crisis.

"Once again, it comes down to the importance of keeping good company. These young men are paying the ultimate price with their lives."

According to police reports, officers were pursuing Morris and another man in a red Nissan Versa after receiving reports of a shooting. The chase ended in Tunapuna after an exchange of gunfire in which Morris was killed.

Asked what schools and communities can do to help steer young men in a more positive direction, Sheppard advocated for more academic resources, especially for student-athletes who may struggle with traditional subjects.

"These boys need more support; if they get injured or fall on hard times, they need the tools to build a future. School administrators don’t