Enoch Carmichael, a 27-year-old goalkeeper, collapsed and died yesterday morning during a routine training session with the Guyana Defence Force Football Club (GDFFC) at the National Training Centre, Providence.
According to a source close to the team who was present during the incident, “It was a pre-match training session. He was going through his drills while the starting team was training separately on the field. We saw him went down; he was doing his drills in the goal and we assumed he probably injured himself after he made a save. The goalkeeper coach called the physiotherapist over to check on him and by the time we got over there, he was still lying on the floor. The physio tried everything with him, all the protocols, propped him up to breathe, all the normal procedures. There was no ambulance there and by the time an ambulance would have gotten there it would have taken too long so he was taken in a car to Diamond Hospital which was right there.”
The source added, “The manager of the team went with him to the hospital; we didn’t know if he had recovered and subsequently the manager called the coach and relayed the message that Carmichael had unfortunately passed away. It was just tragic.”
GDF was slated to play Fruta Conquerors today in the KFC Elite League at the same venue. However, all matches have been rescheduled by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) until further notice. The team is also in preparation for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Shield Club championship in Curacao which is slated to commence at the end of the month
Meanwhile, GFF President, Wayne Forde, extended condolences to the family of Carmichael during this difficult time. “On behalf of the Federation and the entire football community, I extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Carmichael.” He added, “We are saddened by the loss of such a promising talent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
It was stated that Carmichael was a skilled goalkeeper who began his football journey as a young player. He represented Paradise FC in Berbice and Guyana Defence Force FC, leaving a lasting impact. His proficiency in front of the net, the GFF noted, greatly contributed to his team’s successes in the Elite League.
