Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) said he is deeply saddened after learning of the sudden death of former National player, Tremaine “Tan Tan” Stewart. 

Stewart, 33, died this morning after collapsing during a football match in Portmore, St. Catherine. He made his debut for Jamaica in 2012, playing 12 times and scoring twice while wearing national colours.

“Tremaine was a skilful, confident, industrious and energetic player who influenced games with precocious plays. He is said to have collapsed while playing the game he loved,” the president said in a statement released by the federation this afternoon.  

On behalf of the JFF, President Ricketts extended “sincere condolences to his family, friends and teammates at the clubs he represented.”

“This is a player that I enjoyed watching,” said Ricketts. “He embodied the beautiful game. It is so heartbreaking when we lose loved ones, particularly when they are so young. We grieve with his family and friends.”

During his 14-year career, Stewart represented August Town, Portmore United and Waterhouse FC in the Jamaica Premier League.

He also had stints overseas with Finnish club Rovaniemen Palloseura and Norwegian outfit Aalesund.

At the time of his death, Stewart was with Dunbeholden Football Club.