A shocked Khano Smith yesterday described deceased footballer Shaki Crockwell as the "life and soul of the dressing room" as he fondly remembered his former high school friend and national team colleague.

The New England Revolution ace said Crockwell's death was a terrible tragedy and waste of talent as he declared his deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the Bermuda international.

Smith and Crockwell, who represented the Island in the Digicel Cup earlier this year, attended the same high school with their paths continuing to entwine through their gift for playing football.

"I will forever remember Shaki as the life and soul of the dressing room and a real fun guy to be around — he was always full of life and joking around," said Smith who has returned to Bermuda on a mid-season break.

"Shaki was a very popular member of the Bermuda national team as well as being a very talented player — he was extremely passionate and serious about his football.

"Although we weren't in the same class at school we were in the same year and of course football was something we always had in common. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Shaki's family and friends at this difficult time."

Boulevard striker Crockwell also represented the Bermuda Hogges in the USL-D2 and Kings in the Island Soccer League (ISL), and Smith said it was hard to believe they had played their final game together.

"Shaki and I always seemed to have a good understanding on the pitch as strikers and we always got on well off it," he added. "It's hard to believe it was only in February we we're playing together for Bermuda in the Digicel Cup — it's a real shock."

Crockwell, aged 25, was shot dead on the Railway Trail in Devonshire on Friday night and Smith said he hoped the Island community would sit up and take notice of the tragedy.

"Shaki had made his mistakes in the past but I know he was trying to do the right things. I just hope lessons can be learned from Shaki and that people take notice of this terrible tragedy."

It is believed ISL commissioner David Bascome was trying to get Crockwell a visa to the US for professional trials. Crockwell had a short stint with the Bermuda Hogges but left, as he was unable to travel to the US due to previous convictions.