Former Excelsior High, Waterhouse FC and Humble Lion footballer Hugh Howell collapsed and died while playing a game of scrimmage on Sunday. He was 39 years old.

A hard-tackling midfield enforcer, Howell was a member of Waterhouse’s winning team in 2005-2006 before moving on to Humble Lion in 2013 and helping the Clarendon side become serious title contenders during his spell.

Waterhouse coach Marcel Gayle said Howell was a “true leader” whose contribution to football was immense.

“He left Excelsior and came straight to us. He was a hard worker, no-nonsense player and played for the shirt. He will be missed,” said Gayle.

Andrew Price, who coached Howell at Humble Lion, said: “condolences to the family of the man called ‘Gorilla’. He was a great servant of the game. RIP Balla”.

When Howell’s playing days ended at Humble Lion, he dabbled in coaching at Vere Technical High School.

Michael Ricketts, president of the Jamaica Football Federation, paid his tribute.

“So sad. Hugh and I had a good relationship. RIP my friend,” Ricketts wrote on social media.