The sudden passing of one of Jamaica’s brightest track and field luminaries, Hubert Lawrence, the noted analyst, broadcaster and scribe, has sent the athletics fraternity into a state of shock.

Tributes flowed from all corners of society after news surfaced late Friday that the highly regarded veteran journalist had died in his Portmore, St Catherine home, ending a life and career dedicated to the delivery of world-class track and field analysis.

Lawrence, who was also an avid table tennis player and supporter, was expected to lead television coverage of yesterday’s Gibson-McCook Relays at the National Stadium.

His passing sent tremors which rippled well beyond the track and field space as athletes and athletics interests were joined by lawmakers and members of a wide cross section of society in paying homage to the fallen wordsmith.

Sports Minister Olivia Grange hailed Lawrence’s impact in his field and expressed grief from his passing.

“I am in shock with the news of the passing of Hubert Lawrence, whom we have come to regard as one of Jamaica’s leading lights on track and field. His depth of knowledge about track and field, not only in Jamaica, was perhaps unparalleled,” Grange noted.

“His death will leave a huge void in commentary and analysis on the sport as few were as knowledgeable and articulate about it as he was,” she added.

Lawrence, who was born in 1960, started collecting and analysing track and field data in 1980 and got his first opportunity in media with the now defunct Jamaica Record in the late 1980s.

He would go on to work for several local and regional media organisations such as Caribbean Media Corporation and the RJRGLEANER Group, developing a reputation over the years as the authority and most commanding voice in local athletics statistics and analysis.

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) also paid homage to the journalist, noting: “The JAAA is deeply saddened by the passing of extraordinary track and field analyst and journalist Hubert Lawrence. He dedicated his life to the sport we love. Sincere condolences to his many friends and his family.”

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association Christopher Samuda shared his thoughts on Lawrence and his influence.

“Hubert was not simply a walking encyclopedia of statistics and historical data of others, but, more importantly, he was himself a reference point that gave a nation, in his commentary, a text in track and field that went beyond electronic boards and resided in the values in the sport and the value of sport,” Samuda shared. “His voice articulated measured thoughts that spoke to the intellect of the sport without compromising the heart and passion.”

Lawrence, a proud St Jago old boy, also authored or co-authored several acclaimed track and field books, such as Power and Glory: Jamaica in World Athletics, from WWII to the Diamond League Era; Champs 100 and 50 Days of Fire.

His insight and calm delivery have been a highlight on many panels for the Olympic Games, World Championships, Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, Carifta Games and other local and regional track and field meetings.

Several athletes and media personalities took to social media to offer condolences and share memories of their interactions with Lawrence, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness also among those offering tributes.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Hubert Lawrence, a distinguished sports journalist whose contribution to our nation’s sporting landscape was invaluable,” said Holness.

“Beyond his on-screen presence, Hubert was a prolific author, penning significant works on track and field…My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends and colleagues during this time of grieving. May his outstanding legacy continue to inspire future generations,” he added.

“He always shared a plethora of knowledge of track and field — local and international; it wasn’t hard to see how much he enjoyed covering the sport. He will surely be missed,” said Opposition Leader Mark Golding in his reaction.

Chairman of the St Jago High School Board of Governors Lissa Grant described Lawrence as the consummate gentleman and a lifelong friend.

The school’s Principal Collette Pryce added, “this news comes as a major shock to the entire St Jago family. Hubert is a Raven of whom we are most proud. We pray for his family and friends in this difficult time.”