Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

STAKEHOLDERS IN the tourist industry remained in shock yesterday after waking up to news of the death of one their most respected experts, Ken Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy, a former managing director of the elegant Tryall Club in Hanover, was severely injured in a freak accident near his home in Lagoon View Walk, Bogue, on Friday night. He suffered broken ribs and a crushed pelvis.

The Sunday Gleaner understands that Mr. Kennedy was walking his dog at approximately 11:00 p.m., on Friday when a wall from a dilapidated building fell on him and his pet.

He was rushed to the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) where he later died of complications from a cardiac arrest.

"I am so shocked. His death comes as a huge loss to the industry," said an extremely distraught Horace Peterin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association. "He was one of our statesmen, and this was borne out by the many different organisations that called on his consultancy."

Kennedy has had an illustrious career in the tourist industry having served for the last 30 years. He was a former advisor to The Gleaner's tourism trade publication, Hospitality Jamaica.

He is survived by wife Sheila, daughter Fennella Kennedy Holland, and two stepchildren Nigel and Linda Ford. Last Wednesday, he celebrated his 43rd wedding anniversary.