Veteran deejay and gospel reggae icon Lieutenant Stitchie (Cleveland Laing) has died at age 60 on Monday, September 28, 2026. He passed away at the Kingston Public Hospital just a day before his birthday. Medical personnel at KPH confirmed that the Fast and Pray deejay passed away this morning.
Reports had emerged over the weekend that Lt. Stitchie had been receiving blood at Kingston Public Hospital after his blood count fell. His wife Sophia Laing confirmed that had been admitted since Thursday. She is seeking to reassure supporters concerned by reports of the gospel artiste’s admission.
“Stitchie’s blood count went down, and that is why he is at that medical facility, KPH, getting blood,” Mrs Laing said. “We have been asking close friends, family and members of the church family to donate blood. We are waiting on him to get the balance of the blood tomorrow, and once the doctors are satisfied, he will be released.”
Lt. Stitchie suffered a debilitating stroke in the first week of September 2024.
She cautioned that the length of his stay would depend on his treatment.
“How long he will be hospitalised depends on the process and the number of units he may need, everything is now in the hands of the medical team,” she said.
The Fast and Pray singer has also been receiving care at an undisclosed private medical facility. According to Mrs Laing, it has been two years, one month and 14 days since he suffered a debilitating stroke. He is still unable to speak and has limited mobility.
“He is not able to move around much, but the greatest thing is that he is still with us,” she said. “So many persons who took ill after my husband are not with us. But to God be the glory, he is still in the land of the living.”
Mrs Laing said Lt. Stitchie’s GoFundMe page remains active and has helped ease the cost of his prolonged care, although donations are intermittent.
“It is still a bit of a struggle, but every now and then, people will donate so to God be the glory,” she said
A former athlete and schoolteacher, Lieutenant Stitchie (real name Cleve Laing) cut his musical teeth on the competitive sound system circuit in Spanish Town, his hometown, during the early 1980s alongside other aspiring artistes such as Papa San, Wickerman, and Major Worries. In 1986, he got his mainstream breakthrough with the hilarious Wear Yuh Size, followed by Natty Dread, another rib-tickling hit.
He signed to Atlantic Records in 1988 and released three albums for that label, including the well-received Wild Jamaican Romances.
In 1997, Lt Stitchie became a born-again Christian and has since recorded a number of inspirational albums and songs.
In 2012, he received an honorary doctorate, and in 2014 he published his autobiography. He was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer in 2021 for his contribution to music.
News of Stitchie’s deteriorating health had drawn concern from supporters in recent days.
