On Saturday night when Pia Phillips kissed a church sister following choir practice and uttered the words “See you tomorrow,” little did they know that this would be her last good-bye.

Phillips, the Immaculate Conception High School head girl who was celebrating her 18th birthday that same wretched day, would minutes after uttering those words meet a tragic end at home.

Phillips was accidentally shot by her father, Paul Phillips, as he rushed to aid her and other family members who were being held up at gunpoint at their gate by two hoodlums around 7:30 pm.

According to the Constabulary Communication Network (CCN), shortly after arriving home on Riverside Drive in Havendale from church, Phillips and other family members were approached by the gunmen who pulled up outside their gate and demanded that they come to them.

Ms Phillips, the CCN said, ran towards the house screaming. Her cries brought her father, who was inside, rushing out with his licensed firearm to their rescue.

However, his noble intentions turned tragic when he slipped and fell and his weapon went off, hitting Pia Phillips, who died early yesterday morning at the University Hospital in Kingston, CCN said.

The Constant Spring police are investigating.

When the Observer visited the family home on Sunday, Paul Phillips was too distraught to maintain a conversation. His face a mask of grief and anguish, he could only utter: “Mi lose mi queen pon her birthday – pon her birthday!” – the sad wail of a dad who realised he had shot his beloved daughter.

Yesterday, church brethren from the St John the Baptist Anglican Church in Patrick City hugged and tried to comfort the grieving Phillips who appeared limp and inconsolable.

When asked what type of person Phillips was, he exclaimed as he broke down, tears streaming down his cheek, “Lawd God a good girl dat,” while pointing out that the shooting was an accident.

The grief-stricken dad then ended the interview noting that he was heading upstairs to pray with church members, as well-wishers converged on the housed.

Phillips, who has been described as a “very bright girl”, participated in high jump and netball at school and was a part of the debate team there.

A former neighbour described her as a “really quiet and smart girl”.

Shortly after news of her passing broke, friends and associates of Phillips posted tributes to her on the social website Facebook.

Some of the postings read:

“It’s so disturbing that this happened so close to my house that I heard the gunshot and the screaming… but didn’t think twice about it. Never thought it could really be a gunshot, or the screams of someone I knew…Pia was supposed to be someone really great, and she was. I can’t believe this happened.”

“So sad that Pia is dead, and the way it happened is very sad. Feel sorry for her father. Every Immaculate girl should just be careful and try to remain strong!”

“Oh my god! I’m really shaken up about this. I got a phone call last night and I didn’t even know how to react. I couldn’t sleep last night…She was such a bright and vibrant person, you couldn’t help liking her even if you weren’t friends…She really would’ve made a difference in this damned country. RIP, Pia.”

“I remember this little girl from School of Drama about a decade ago. She was such a talented young girl…Wise above her age. She was destined for greatness. God knows why he took her now and what sense to make from this nonsense. RIP dear.”

“Oh my God! I really don’t know what to say, but remember the times Pia was here and how she lived. [She] was one of the most high in energy and spirit persons I have ever met! – a person who always smiles and greet people. You were a blessing to us at Immaculate, Pia! And you will be missed!”

“Pia and I were teammates…did high jump with her for three years. She was amazing. Loved her like a sister, yow! She was like ma role model. Jah know…Pia, I love you! God Bless!”