Twins were tragically torn apart yesterday after well-respected Devonshire Cougars footballer Jeremy DeShields suffered a suspected heart attack and was later pronounced dead at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

The Works and Engineering employee was working on a job site at the Botanical Gardens when he collapsed around 1 p.m. after complaining of chest pains.

Emergency personnel attempted to revive the 29-year-old before he was rushed to nearby KEMH and pronounced dead, around 2 p.m.

Mr. DeShields leaves his twin sister Jennita, mother Jennifer DeShields and numerous family members and friends. He is also survived by his own five-year-old twins, Jai and Jade DeShields-Brown.

Speaking of the tragic loss of her twin brother, Ms DeShields commented "This is really an indescribable pain. I can't really describe this loss in words.

"Jeremy was one of those individuals who always made you laugh. You could never be mad at him for long and he loved his children and family."

The late footballer, who would have celebrated his 30th birthday on October 15, did not play for Cougars last season but will perhaps be best remembered for the cracking volley he scored against Dandy Town at the Den four seasons ago that all but sealed the Big Cats' maiden Premier Division championship.

"He played football as a child for North Village and then stopped playing for a few years before eventually joining Devonshire Cougars a few years ago. And that's where he has been ever since. He was an avid Cougars lover," Ms DeShields added.

Mr. DeShields died just a day after the 12th anniversary of the death of his father, Calvin DeShields an avid Boulevard Community Club supporter.

"We were just talking about our father's death [on Sunday] and now this.

"The family is devastated," Ms DeShields added. "This was totally unexpected. We would have been celebrating our 30th birthdays in October.

"I just want to thank all those who have offered their deepest condolences and ask for people to pray for the family and especially his kids because they are only five years old."

Also grieving yesterday were Mr. DeShields' close cousins, Wilbur Burt and Jeremy Fray, who both play cricket for Devonshire.

"Jeremy was a really nice guy and I still can't believe this has happened," commented Mr. Burt. "Jeremy was a very friendly guy who had a very big heart. He was very loving."

Mr. Fray echoed his cousin's sentiments.

"Jeremy was a very loving individual," he said, struggling to come to grips with his loss. "This is like a dagger in my heart. It really hurts."

Among those offering condolences was Health Minister Nelson Bascome, a neighbour of Mr. DeShields.

He said: "Jeremy was a quiet and diligent young man. He was a stalwart Cougar that played in their defence.

"His father passed when he was about 12 and [left him with] the task of being the man in the family. He had a set of twins of which he was very proud and our community has lost a friend that will be sadly missed."

Speaking on behalf of Devonshire Recreation Club, president Craig Clarke commented "On behalf of Devonshire Recreation Club we send out our condolences to his family during this difficult time.

"Jeremy's passing has taken the Devonshire Recreation Club family by shock and we are grieving right now. He was a very integral part of our club and we will truly miss him.

"Jeremy was good football player and I have watched him develop as a player for many years. He was a beautiful person who had a very beautiful spirit and words can't really describe what this loss represents to the Devonshire Recreation Club family."