Kelsey Ferrigon dies in fatal Spanish Town, St Catherine murder

Kelsey Ferrigon dies in fatal Spanish Town, St Catherine murder

Fatal Spanish Town, St Catherine murder of Kelsey Ferrigon – Obituary

At the funeral of nine-year-old Kelsey Ferrigon, held at the Spanish Town Seventh Day Adventist Church, Minister Olivia Grange implored citizens to launch a nationwide initiative in her memory, aiming to prevent another tragedy involving a child lost to violence.

Grange urged attendees to break their silence and report instances of abuse or violence involving children. Her plea came during the tribute segment of Kelsey’s farewell service on Monday in St Catherine.

Kelsey was discovered dead inside a barrel at her residence on Job Lane in Spanish Town on Friday, May 9, following a horrific act of rape and murder. Giovanni Ellis, named a person of interest in the case, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers three days later during a reported confrontation in Clarendon.

The church was filled with grief-stricken mourners honoring the life of the young girl, fondly remembered for her gentle demeanor and vibrant spirit.

Grange began by expressing regret on behalf of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who could not attend due to pressing Cabinet responsibilities.

She reflected on how Kelsey should have been attending St John’s Primary, continuing to make her educators proud. Instead, her dreams were tragically cut short. Grange emphasized that Kelsey’s legacy should serve a greater purpose than the violence that ended her life.

Calling the community to action, Grange proposed the “Kelsey Ferrigon campaign,” a movement to ensure that such a devastating loss is never repeated. She withheld details of the autopsy, describing them as too disturbing to share publicly.

Describing the child as both radiant and reserved, Grange noted Kelsey’s academic promise, especially her aptitude for spelling, which hinted at a future representing her school in competitions.

She called on the audience to honor Kelsey by vowing to protect every child and reviving the communal principle that once “raised a village.”

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the meaningful—though tragically brief—life Kelsey lived. She offered heartfelt condolences to Kelsey’s mother, Georgia Anderson, assuring her of the Ministry’s continued support.

Morris Dixon recounted how Kelsey’s teachers remembered her enthusiasm for learning, particularly in English and math. “She was the kind of student we hope to see in every Jamaican classroom,” the Minister said.