KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Holy Trinity Cathedral is packed to capacity as tearful students from all over are in attendance for the Thanksgiving Devotion for the life of St George’s College player and captain Dominic James who passed away yesterday.

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James, 18, died while representing his school during a Manning Cup game against Excelsior High school at the Stadium East field.

He collapsed just two minutes after the game started and was later pronounced dead at the University Hospital of the West Indies while undergoing treatment.

St George’s footballer dies after collapsing during match

The devotion started at 8:15 am at the cathedral adjoining the St George’s College compound and was quickly filled to capacity as students from St George’s, neighbouring Kingston College and Holy Trinity High School and Convent of Mercy Alpha along with Wolmer’s Boys, Excelsior , Jamaica College , Calabar High and as far as Bridgeport High School in Portmore. The students turned out in their numbers and had the cathedral bursting at the seams.

Father Richard Tulloch, chairman of the school board got the proceedings going, which was followed by the entrance hymn, “Great is thy Faithfulness”.

Opening prayer and song were conducted by St George’s students.

“Let not our grieving see the work of God,” said Father Tulloch. “It’s all about God and we don’t know why. God is at work. Cry, mourn, don’t tell me don’t cry,” said Tulloch.

“We have more questions than answers but allow the grace of God to anoint you,” he added.

“Dominic James is a good fellow and I am not saying that because he is gone. Everything is a smile. He hardly spoke much, he smiles,” said Tulloch.

Dave Myrie, principal of Kingston College could not hold back the tears as he led over 50 students in support of their rivals but good neighbours.

“It’s just a hard one….it could have been ours ” said Myrie. As he reiterated that KC’s founder Bishop Gibson was a St Georges College student.

Minister of Education Ruel Reid greeted members of the St George’s team, some still crying uncontrollably, some biting their lips to hold back the tears.

Opposition spokesman on education Ronald Thwaites, a St George’s past student highlighted the unity that James’ death had brought.

“I pray that when this St George’s team take to the field on Friday they will play with vigour,” said Thwaites to loud applause.