Shelly-Ann Thompson, Freelance Writer

The Mitsubishi Buzz, driven by radio journalist Neville Willoughby at the time of the fatal accident, at the Constant Spring Police Station, St. Andrew, yesterday. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

While the Constant Spring Police were yesterday still investigating the circumstances that claimed the life of veteran radio broadcaster Neville Willoughby, his colleagues at Radio Jamaica were remembering an icon who showed humility.

Mr. Willoughby shared his expertise in broadcasting and journalism for almost 50 years, most of those at RJR, where he served in many capacities, such as a broadcaster and producer for Hotline, the daily call-in programme.

Gary Allen, deputy managing director, said Mr. Willoughby's expertise and appetite for professionalism and perfection would be difficult to match.

"He was one of the best feature type inter- viewers for radio, who knew how to relax his subject to get the best out of the interview," Mr. Allen noted.

Prayer vigil

Late Tuesday night several of his co-workers, including his friend of many years, Dorraine Samuels, held a prayer vigil at the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he was in critical condition, hoping he would have pulled through.

Derrick Wilks, senior producer of Radio 94, said the incident was extremely tragic since Mr. Willoughby got back his car this week.

He said Mr. Willoughby, for the past five years, was frustrated when his car was out of service.

"Being without his car had become tiresome for him. He wanted to be mobile so he could visit his children in the country for the holidays," said Mr. Wilks, who was Mr. Willoughby's neighbour since 1992.

Tricia Spence, presenter of The Beat, numb and in tears, slumped over the radio transmission equipment inside the studio where they worked together.

"He was my friend, a very cool guy. He never had a big ego, never mind to give pointers for us to be better," she said.

"He would even bring me some water when I was unable to leave the studio," said Miss Spence.

Police reports are that Mr. Willoughby was driving his Mitsubishi Buzz heading off Fairwell Avenue on to Molynes Road when he collided with a 1992 grey BMW motor vehicle.

Collin Burrell, a street-side vendor who was first on the scene and assisted Mr. Willoughby out of his car after the collision, said the broadcaster's vehicle spun several times before landing on the other side of the road.

Yesterday, both young and old reminisced about his wealth of knowledge and his humble disposition, despite fame.

"He loved young talent, he admired determination and acknowledged hard work," said Fiona Fennel, production programmer and web content assistant at RJR 94 FM.