East End community shocked by deaths of man and young girl

A tight-knit East End community is reeling from the tragic deaths of a 65-year-old man and a 7-year-old girl who were found unresponsive at a home on Broadleaf Close on Tuesday morning, 13 Oct.

The man has been identified as Elvis Green, a well-known East End resident and former Cayman Airways employee, who friends described as hardworking, kind-hearted and possessing a wonderful sense of humour.

Two other young girls who were at the residence were also taken to hospital for medical treatment. Police said they were believed to be in stable condition.

The cause of the deaths has not yet been officially confirmed.

Police, firefighters and emergency medical personnel attended the scene, where CPR was immediately administered to Green and the 7-year-old girl.

Both were transported to hospital, where they were subsequently pronounced dead.

Community in shock

Police cordoned off the property located off John McLean Drive with yellow tape on Tuesday morning, with numerous emergency vehicles and officers at the home.

Neighbours, friends and family members gathered along the roadside and at the house, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy.

Among them was Odley Carr, a longtime friend of Green, who said he had spoken to him just hours before his death.

Carr, who had known Green for nearly 30 years and had worked alongside him, said the news had left him devastated.

He said he talked to him Monday night and when he heard the news Tuesday morning that he had died it make him cry. “He was a good friend of mine; a very good friend,” Carr said. “It is shocking.”

He said Green had appeared to be in good health when they last spoke.

Others gathered at the scene remembered Green for his humour and willingness to work hard.

Residents described the deaths as particularly devastating in a district where families have known one another for generations and where the loss of two lives, including that of a young child, would be felt throughout the community.

Two teachers from East End Primary School, who had taught the 7-year-old girl, were among those providing support to grieving family members at the scene.

One visibly distraught teacher, fighting back tears, described the young girl as a bright and talented student.

School counsellors were also present, including Katherine Russell, a counsellor at Edna Moyle Primary School.

East End MP and government Minister Isaac Rankine also arrived at the scene, accompanied by Education Minister Rolston Anglin. Both went to speak with the surviving family members.

East End Primary suspends classes

The Ministry of Education and Training subsequently confirmed that three students from East End Primary School were involved in the incident.

In a statement, the ministry and Department of Education Services announced that classes at the school would be suspended for the remainder of Tuesday to allow students, teachers and families time to support one another.

Parents and guardians were asked to collect their children as soon as possible, while school buses were scheduled to depart at 11.30am.

Arrangements were made to ensure that all children remained under adult supervision until they could be safely reunited with their families.

Members of the school’s Parent Teacher Association were also on hand to provide assistance.

Counsellors and wellbeing staff were made available to support students and teachers, with additional assistance planned over the coming days.

The ministry urged the public to respect the families’ privacy and refrain from speculation, particularly on social media.

Government expresses condolences

In a separate statement, the Cayman Islands government said it was deeply saddened by the deaths.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to their family, loved ones and all the East End community,” the statement said.

“Our thoughts are also with the two children who are being treated and monitored at a local hospital, and we pray for their full recovery.”

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service extended its condolences to the family and the wider East End community, confirming that the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.

Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.