Jamaica: PM Andrew Holness expresses grief on demise of first WNBA player, Simone Edwards

Kingston, Jamaica: Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, expressed grief and sorrow towards the family and loved ones of Simone Edwards, who was the former national women’s basketball player. “I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Former national women’s basketball player Simone Edwards, who passed away today,” the post by the Prime Minister read.

As per the post by Prime Minister Holness, Simone was a talented basketball player and a trailblazer who represented Jamaica with distinction. She is the first Jamaican woman to sign with a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

“May her soul rest in peace,” the PM said while concluding the post.

According to various news reports, Simone Edwards died at her home in Florida after a long battle with illness. At the time of death, the former basketball player was 49 years old. The sources have confirmed that the reason behind the death of the player is stage three ovarian cancer, which was diagnosed some time ago.

Edwards is known to be a former Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player. The country lost a star on February 16, 2023, as she was the only Jamaican woman who signed with a WNBA team.

Edwards was recognised as a star player of basketball after she won the WNBA Championship in 2004 with the Storm. Following this, she announced her retirement from the game in May 2006.

The passing has shocked the world. Paulton Gordon, the president of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JaBA), also expressed grief and stated that he and his organisation are deeply saddened by the demise of Edwards. “We are very saddened by her passing, but we know that she has been ill for a while, and we were hoping for the best. Condolences to her family, and friends. The Jamaica Basketball Association is very supportive of her family. We have lost somebody who is a really good person for basketball,” Gordon said.