17-year-old boy in custody after deadly fight at Ocho Rios High

A 17-year-old male student is now in police custody following a deadly fight at Ocho Rios High School in St Ann on Wednesday, which claimed the life of another student.

The police reported that during an altercation at the school, a male student was struck in the head with a metal chair.

He was taken to hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators say the alleged attacker fled the campus after the incident but was later taken to the police by a parent.

The fatal incident has sent shockwaves throughout the school community and has drawn a response from the Ministry of Education.

In a statement, Portfolio Minister Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a student of Ocho Rios High School in St Ann. This is a devastating loss for the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and the wider school community, and may I also add the entire Jamaica,” the minister said.

“Every child who leaves home for school should return safely. We mourn this heartbreaking loss and we extend our deepest condolences to the student’s family and the entire Ocho Rios High School community,” she added.

The minister noted that the incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen peace-building efforts in educational institutions.

“Today’s tragedy reminds us that we must strengthen the culture of peace in our schools,” Morris Dixon said.

A team from the education ministry is expected to visit the institution today to provide grief and trauma counselling for students, teachers and parents affected by the incident.

According to the ministry, additional psychosocial support will also be provided in the coming days to help members of the school community cope with the loss.

The tragedy comes during a week when several schools across the island observed activities promoting peace.

Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.

- Andre Williams

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