He was a talented Boulevard Blazers striker whose abilities on the field eventually advanced himself to the ranks of Bermuda's national football team.

Despite troubles off the field, friends say that Shaki Crockwell, 25, was in the middle of turning his life around. It was just a few months ago that he celebrated the birth of a son and has another child.

Earlier this year, in the national squad, he faced Trinidad in the Digicel Cup. His advances in the arena of soccer, however, have not been without controversy.

In May, he faced disciplinary action from the Bermuda Football Association for head-butting an opposing team captain. In addition, he had a stint with the Bermuda Hogges and at one point, could not travel with teammates to an overseas event because of his past legal dilemmas.

He had been denied entry to the US on the team's departure for Barbados via New York because his name was on the US stop-list.

One source close to Mr. Crockwell, who did not wish to be named said: "He tried to turn things around, but it seemed that his past always seemed to follow him.

"Nonetheless he was able to keep out of trouble and was called to the national team, which was a positive.

"I do know that David Bascome who runs the Island Soccer League was trying to get Shaki a visa to the US for trials, to play for one of those leagues in America, and now this happens."