Susan Mohammed Monday, June 12 2006

TWO FOOTBALL fans collapsed and died in their homes in South Trinidad on Saturday while watching the Soca Warriors make their World Cup debut in Germany, police reports said yesterday.

Acting Assistant Superintendent of Police, Ronald John, of Point Fortin; and accountant and preacher Vishnu Lall, of Palmiste, near San Fernando, were both pronounced dead at hospital, police reports indicated.

Both men are suspected to have succumbed to heart failure, investigators said.

John, who was attached to the Special Anti-Crime Unit of Trinidad and Tobago (SAUTT), fell ill at about 3 pm while watching the game at his home at 71 E Street, Fanny Village. He was rushed to the Point Fortin Area Hospital where he was pronounced dead by Dr Kumar.

Point Fortin Member of Parliament Larry Achong yesterday described John as a distinguished police officer and an outstanding member of the community, who was active in culture and sports.

Achong said, “Point Fortin has lost a very prominent citizen. Point Fortin is in a state of shock. It is really a sad day for Point Fortin and he will surely be missed.”

Lall of Kathleen Crescent, Block Four Palmiste, also died after collapsing at his home during the football match, police said. Lall was pronounced dead at the San Fernando General Hospital where he was rushed by his relatives for treatment.

He was described as a pastor and an accountant of Innovative Security Technologies Ltd, of Cipero Road, San Fernando.

Relatives of both men were too distraught to speak to the media yesterday.

Autopsies on the bodies are expected to be performed at the San Fernando mortuary today.