KINGSTON, Jamaica – Slain national youth footballer Omar Laing was remembered Wednesday as a jovial teenager who was a positive influence on his friends at school and in his community.

According to those who spoke at Laing’s funeral service at St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS), the school he attended, Laing’s personality drew others to him, which was epitomised by the hundreds who turned out for his farewell, which lasted approximately two hours.

Many of those in attendance were visibly distraught and unable to hold back tears. Laing’s mother, Melorine Gizart was too grief-stricken to offer her scheduled tribute.

Laing’s STATHS family was well represented, and included the netball and football teams, academic staff, past students and other members.

He was the top goalscorer in last season’s shortened Corporate Area schoolboy Manning Cup football competition, a rising star in the sport before unknown assailants, who alighted from a motorcar and shot him, brutally cut his life short on April 22.

READ: National Under-19 footballer fatally shot in drive-by

He was celebrating his 18th birthday the same day and had recently started training with Jamaica Premier League (JPL) outfit Cavalier before he was killed, leaving behind a mourning mother and a toddler.

Kenneth Howell, who represented the STATHS football’s Strategic Framework Committee, said Laing’s personality and attitude inspired many individuals during his short life.

STATHS Headboy Nicalos Williamson is in a sombre mood as he views the body of his late colleague inside the casket.

STATHS footballers view the body of their late colleague inside the casket.

Pallbearers carrying Laing’s casket.

A grief-stricken STATHS footballer being consoled by a woman at the funeral.

A mourner being consoled at the funeral of Omar Laing.

A section of the audience at the funeral.

Assistant Chaplain of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Pastor Kevin White delivering the sermon.

STATHS students stand beside the casket with the remains of their late colleague.

A woman consoles two of Laing’s former teammates.