Funeral arrangements for ex-Trinidad and Tobago and Ferencvarosi Torna Club footballer, Akeem Adams, 22, will only be confirmed when his mother, Ancilla, and brother, Akini, return home from Hungary where Akeem passed away on Monday.
Akeem’s uncle, Ivan Dick, yesterday said no official plans have yet been made to fly his body to Trinidad. Dick stated these crucial decisions lie in the hands of Ancilla, who flew to Hungary approximately four months ago upon receiving the news that her son suffered a heart attack at his home-base after a training session. Dick also noted he and his family in Trinidad would have to wait until tomorrow to get an update on funeral proceedings since yesterday and today are public holidays in Hungary. He confirmed the former defender’s body would be flown home for burial.
“Definitely he be will flown to Trinidad and I can say so without doubt and without hesitation. He’s not going to remain in Hungary. His mom would have to organise the flights and so forth because as we all know to transport a body from one country to the other is not as easy as if a normal passenger is travelling. All funeral arrangements will be organised by his mother when she returns,” Dick explained.
The former Presentation College, San Fernando athlete grew up in the tiny village of Salazar Trace, Point Fortin, and according to Dick, the community has been in a state of shock over his death.
Several of Akeem’s family members hail from this quiet rural village and his unexpected passing has sent the entire area into mourning.
Dick continued, “Well everybody is in shock. A lot of sorrow and sadness. He was one of our own, a bright son, one of our young and positive prospects in the community and he suddenly departed so the entire village is in mourning. It is indeed a sad day for football, Point Fortin, Trinidad and Tobago and his family as a whole.”
He also mentioned that it would be up to the discretion of Akeem’ mother and brother, if the village should hold nightly wakes upon their return.
When asked if he or anyone close to the situation had been in contact with representatives from the Government, Dick admitted he had received no information to date from anyone.
“From the time Akeem got the heart attack we haven’t received any information from the Government at this point in time. I don’t know and hope that they can contact us sooner rather than later,” he added.
Yesterday, the Ferencvarosi Torna Club’s official website posted a three-minute long video clip paying a special but sad tribute to the short time the youngster spent at the football institution.
Footage was shown of Akeem training with teammates, in action on the field of play against other league clubs and several snippets of him and his team in the locker room alongside other never-before-seen clips.
Additionally, the club’s Facebook and Twitter fan pages came alight with several European supporters saying their final farewell to a national and Hungarian footballer.
Outside the club’s base, fans and staff members set up a small shrine in remembrance of Akeem.
Images showed several melancholy supporters placing lighted candles and flowers in front and at the side of a large photo of Akeem, which was draped with official club scarfs and other memorabilia.
Also sending condolences to Akeem’s family yesterday were local political parties the People’s National Movement (PNM) and the Congress of the People (COP).
PNM and Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley, in a statement said, “It is with deep sadness that I extend heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Akeem Adams. Akeem represented all of Trinidad and Tobago when he donned the Red, White and Black so consequently, when the young Soca Warrior engaged in the battle for his life, Trinidad and Tobago collectively hoped and prayed that he would eventually overcome his challenges. “Unfortunately, Akeem has succumbed and the football fraternity and our nation have been plunged into mourning. Whenever a life comes to an end we are inevitably saddened. However, when that life displayed the promise and direction like young Akeem it also leaves us somewhat confused, we question and we hurt.”
Rowley also extended condolences on behalf of his family and the PNM and asked that the nation continues to hold up Akeem’s mother and the rest of his family in prayer.
In the COP press release, issued on behalf of the party’s Youth Congress, it stated, “The COP Youth Congress joins with the rest of the nation to express our immense sadness on the passing of Trinidadian footballer Akeem Adams. He was only 22 years old. Words cannot fully describe the pain his family members, close relatives, fellow footballers and indeed all nationals must be experiencing at this time.
“Although we understood that Akeem’s condition was gravely delicate, we were optimistically praying for his eventual recovery.
“We admire this young man’s short but well placed professional career which spanned local football clubs, W Connection and United Petrotrin as well as a brief stint in the US Major League Soccer, (MLS) with the Seattle Sounders. The Youths of the COP wishes to extend our sincerest condolences to all of Akeem’s relatives, fans, the local football fraternity and his fellow professionals at Ferencvarosi TC.”
They also praised the hundreds of persons in Hungary who donated blood to Akeem, as well as the various companies who gave financial assistance towards his medical care.