Dancehall artiste Quick Cook is mourning the death of his father, Michael ‘Ital’ Lumley, who was shot and killed by unknown assailants in St Mary on Monday night. Lumley was 61 years old.

“The man celebrated his birthday on Sunday, and dem kill him on Heroes Day,” a grief-stricken Quick Cook told Observer Online.

“This tragic, mi de overseas and get the news and the whole ah my family shake up. My father is a real hero, him dead the day after him birthday pon Heroes Day, he was a hero to me and my brothers and sisters and the whole community. He was a loving and caring legend to all in his community.”

The elder Lumley passed away leaving six children, four boys and two girls.

Michael Lumley

“He would die for his children. We were the apple of his eye. He was very clean, neat and organized. He was a very hard worker, you could call him a serial entrepreneur. He was a giver. He would give his last to make anyone he care for to make them happy. I am just asking my fans and my colleagues to pray for my family right now in this dark time,” Quick Cook added.

The incident took place around 7:15 pm while the deceased was reportedly sitting in the yard. It is alleged that a silver Toyota Axio motor car stopped at the gate, two men alighted from the vehicle, entered the yard and approached Lumley. The gunmen then reportedly opened fire hitting him in his left shoulder before escaping in the waiting motorcar.

Lumley was taken to the Annotto Bay Hospital where he was pronounced dead. No one else was injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, Lumley’s family is refuting reports that his murder was gang-related.

“In the wake of this devastating loss, we are disturbed by the false narrative that has been publicly circulated by the authorities, claiming that his death was the result of gang violence and that he was visiting his girlfriend. Michael was killed in his home. This misinformation is not only deeply hurtful to our family but also a grave injustice to the legacy of a man who spent his life fostering unity and peace,” the family said in a release.

READ: St Mary farmer shot dead while visiting girlfriend

“We categorically refute these claims and call for a speedy, transparent, and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his murder. We believe that only the truth can honor the memory of a man who stood for integrity, justice, and the betterment of his community,” the Lumleys said.

The family added that Lumley “was a man of peace, and it is only right that his death is investigated with the seriousness and diligence it deserves.”