A prominent cultural figure as a member of the H&H Gombeys who loomed large in local sport has been mourned as “a young leader whose influence spanned culture, sport and community life, and whose commitment to service was evident in everything he did”.

The loss of Zaniko Hendrickson marks “a tragic loss to Bermuda”, said Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport.

Mr Hendrickson, 35, was a co-owner of the H&H Gombeys, the troupe’s lead drummer, and a founding member of the Bermuda Gombey Council.

As the grandson of troupe co-founder Lawrence “Stickers” Hendrickson, Mr Hendrickson not only had the Gombey tradition in his blood, but famously started dancing with the group as a two-year-old and took up the drums at an early age.

It was a lifelong devotion. For a Boxing Day Gombey celebration in 2015 around North Village, Mr Hendrickson told The Royal Gazette: “We’re keeping the tradition alive, and it brings everybody together and shows our history. Once people hear that music, it takes over.”

Mr Hendrickson, who was a fixture at events such as the Gombey Festival, national celebrations and cultural education initiatives, represented Bermuda internationally at Carifesta in Barbados in 2017 and again in 2025.

He carried a cultural torch, engaging with the island’s young people on Gombey heritage as well as traditional pursuits such as kite-flying.

He was also a valued member of staff in the Ministry of Public Works and Environment.

Jaché Adams, the minister, said he served as “a skilled labourer based at the Prospect Depot for several years”.

He added: “His passing is deeply felt by those who worked alongside him, and our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

Mr Hendrickson served as commodore of the Mid-Atlantic Boat and Sports Club, was an avid Comet racing sailor and played football with North Village Community Club in the Corona League.