Well-known Jamaican fashion designer, stylist and digital influencer Dexter ‘3D’ Pottinger was found dead at his Yarico Place home in St Andrew yesterday evening.

People at the scene said his body was decomposing and had stab wounds. The Jamaica Observer was also told that the body was discovered by friends who had gone to visit Pottinger and were alerted by a foul smell coming from the house.

The police were called and arrived at approximately 6:00 pm. At 9:30 pm the body was still not removed from the house and forensic detectives were processing the scene.

Family and friends of the make-up artist and former model were overheard saying that his car and two iPhone 7s were missing from the house.

Neighbours reportedly heard Pottinger crying for help early Tuesday morning but no one alerted the police.

“I didn’t know him personally, but always saw him driving past with his windows rolled up,” one woman said. “Dem hear him a bawl out and couldn’t bawl out, but Sunday night when him keep him party dem ready fi call police.”

Pottinger’s brother, who was also at the scene, was too shaken to speak.

Pottinger was the point man for iconic Jamaican corporate brands to outfit their promotional models and the image resource for international publications and celebrities.

He is a former Saint International model who was set to showcase his latest menswear collection at the Fashion Directory, hosted annually by Yellow Pages, on October 5 at Devon House.

Last night, Saint International boss Deiwght Peters, who gave Pottinger his start in the fashion industry, reacted with shock at Pottinger’s passing.

Peters told the Observer that he first became aware of the death late yesterday evening while on his way home from work.

“One of my former models called me and asked if I heard what had happened to Dexter. I just could not believe. I kept asking ‘What are you talking about?’ Then came a flood of calls. I know he should have been on holiday overseas, so I kept asking ‘are you sure?’ I made a call and it was confirmed… This is so sad… This is so sad,” he lamented.

Peters recalled first meeting Pottinger 15 years ago in the lobby of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and encouraging him to be part of his burgeoning agency.

“I remember it like yesterday. He was there with Althea Laing and my assistant scout and I approached him. He entered our Face of Summer and then Fashion Face of the Caribbean competitions. We took him to London and although he was not signed, he stayed on there and made connections with the fashion set in that market,” Peters said.

It was during that stint in London that Pottinger became inspired to become a stylist, and with Peters’s help he became an understudy to New York-based stylist Ty-Ron Mayes. That experience would then pave the way for him to become a fashion designer.

“Dexter called me one day saying he was going to give the designing thing a try. He entered our Avant Garde Designer of the Year competition and won. That was 2004, and he never looked back. He was always so busy directing music videos and styling so many of our female artistes who were drawn to his edgy, street-inspired look,” Peters said.

In a 2015 interview with the Observer Pottinger — who has worked with dancehall artistes such as Ce’Cile, Tifa, Lady Saw, and Beenie Man — pointed out that he worked with Nick Cannon on his King Of The Dancehall movie.

“Initially I was the assistant stylist, and that quickly changed when I sent my portfolio to Atlanta Records. The powers that be came to Jamaica and conducted an interview and got a chance to see productions that I’ve been involved in within dancehall, then decided I was perfect for the job,” Pottinger said.

“I started in the industry as a model for Saint International, and I’ve always known that modelling is not a long-term career, so when I met Ty-Ron Mayes, who used to be my stylist in New York, he groomed me in terms of fashion, but I’m still learning,” he said at the time.

Ce’Cile, who was close to the late designer, could not be reached for comment. However, she took to social media to express her sadness.

“… me or Tifa or anyone would call you and say we need a video tomorrow and you would get it done. You do not deserve this my friend. If only I knew… if only I knew I would have come see you and tell you how much I love you and appreciate all you’ve been to me. People judge people and have no idea. The kind, caring, protective, wonderful soul that you were. And people will see… this wicked person will see how much friend you have…and they will be brought to justice. #sadday #dexter3dp,” she said in a post on Instagram.

Grieving friends posted their condolences on Pottinger’s Facebook page, some expressing disbelief while others told of his inspiring work.

One user commented, “WOW, I’m lost for words & in a state to shock. Rest In Peace my friend Dexter Pottinger.”

Another said, “My heart ??is so heavy. You inspired me to keep going no matter what others had to say. I thought to myself this can’t be real but it’s true.” #RIP Angel you didn’t deserve that friend. We just talked about you doing Paris Fashion Week. At a loss for words. You are really gone.”

Another user attested to Pottinger’s creativity, saying “RIP Dexter Pottinger. Jamaica lost a talented designer…#JamaicanTalent #YoungTalent”.