JAMAICA’S entertainment fraternity is mourning the loss of another of its members.

Derrick ‘Corey’ Edwards, part of the dancehall group Merital Family, was shot and killed in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday night.

According to Corporate Communication Unit, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s information arm, the 32-year-old Edwards was shot and killed by unknown assailants as he approached his car in Ironshore, St James.

The police said their investigations are continuing.

In addition to Edwards, Merital Family comprised Noel ‘Blade Skeemaz’ Mason and Trovoy Keneale Bracket.

The group rose to fame as part of Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire with the 2010 single My Money Ha Ha. Their other tracks include Pray, When We Party and Bad Like We.

Last year, Brackett was reportedly held with cocaine by American law enforcement officers and is currently serving time in that country.

In 2012, Mason parted ways with the group to focus on a solo career. He remembers his late colleague as a versatile entertainer, who added humour to the group.

Mason said he saw Edwards only last Sunday.

“We were at a funeral and he was wearing a very colourful suit and we were all have a laugh over it,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“I was not in MoBay at the time of incident, but I was shocked when I got the phone call. Treasure Hunt Casino is a place where him always hang out and everybody know him. As far I know, him never have any altercation with anyone,” he continued.

Mason said he and Edwards attended St James High School and were teammates on the school’s Under-16 football team.

Mason said despite leaving Merital Family, he and Edwards remained close friends. He said their latest collab Walk Alone was released two weeks ago.