GARTH Henriques, father of international recording artiste Sean Paul, passed away in the University Hospital at the West Indies in St Andrew yesterday.

The dancehall deejay confirmed his father’s death.

“With deep regret I announce the passing of my father, Garth Henriques, today, May 24, 2018. On behalf of our family, I wish to thank everyone who has offered their kind words and sincere condolences in this time of bereavement. I wish to extend my appreciation to the doctors, nurses and medical team at the University of the West Indies and many fans, friends and family who donated blood and offered good wishes,” the deejay said in a statement. “We ask for your continued respect of our privacy during this difficult time.”

Last month, Sean Paul took to social media to make a heartfelt appeal for “O Negative” blood to save his ailing father, who was admitted in the intensive care unit of the hospital.

A subsequent blood drive was at the National Chest Hospital on Barbican Road in St Andrew on April 19.

Henriques — a former coach of Jamaica’s national waterpolo team — is author of Memoirs of a Jamaican Gentleman: From Prep School to Penitentiary.

— Brian Bonitto