KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dozens of educators crowded into the Peter Claver Library at Jessie Ripoll Primary School on Monday morning as they attempted to come to grips with the sudden death of the school’s principal.

O’Neil Stevens was killed on Friday in a car crash that also claimed the life of his wife, Camesha.

Hugs were exchanged as teachers and auxiliary staff cried openly, many fisted tissues as they dabbed at their eyes. Several educators travelled from across the Corporate Area to attend the early morning session aimed at providing support for those grieving.

Attendees also included past students and teachers, personnel from the Ministry of Education, guidance counsellors, and a significant amount of staff.

An air of disbelief permeated the event with some individuals sharing that they could not process the dual loss.

“Where you see one you see the other,” one individual explained regarding the supportive relationship between Stevens and his wife.

The couple’s young daughters are safe and in the care of their maternal grandmother, a former teacher told Observer Online.

The school term begins on Tuesday with students scheduled to return for classes.

— Dana Malcolm