Gordon Meehan-Phillips, known in football circles as “Gawga”, was killed at his home in Kingston last Wednesday.

He was 60 years old.

His stepdaughter, Simone Lawrence, told the Jamaica Observer that Meehan-Phillips was shot multiple times in the yard of the Tarrant Drive home he lived for most of his life. Police have confirmed the incident but as of press time, no arrest has been made.

Gawga became a popular figure at matches featuring the Jamaica team during the 1980s and 1990s. At half-time he would show off his juggling skills and deft touches which delighted fans.

He also conducted numerous football camps for youth, teaching them various forms of technique, including ball control and the importance of using both feet.

A past student of Kingston Technical High School, Gawga also played for House of Dread, Twelve Tribes of Israel (he was a member of that organisation) and Molynes United.

At the time of his death, he operated a grocery store at his home.

Gordon “Gawga” Meehan-Phillips is survived by his mother; Blossom, his wife of 18 years, five children, eight grandchildren, a brother and two stepchildren.

Two of his relatives are/were involved in journalism: veteran videographer Jose Walton (formerly of the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation) and the late Edmund Broad, who wrote for the Daily News newspaper.

— Howard Campbell