Jerome Garrett Cause of Death and Obituary: The Passionate Football Referee Who Passed Away at 47
Jerome Garrett was a well-known and respected football referee who passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the age of 47. He was officiating a match between Honolulu City FC and Maui United SC in the Hawaii Premier League when he collapsed on the field and was rushed to the hospital.
He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The cause of his death was cardiac arrhythmia brought on by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
Jerome Garrett – A Passionate and Professional Referee
Jerome Garrett was born on June 15, 1975, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up playing soccer and developed a passion for the sport. He became a referee in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks, earning his FIFA badge in 2003. He was one of the most experienced and qualified referees in the country, having officiated in several international tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the 2020 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2021 Copa America. He was also a regular referee in the Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, and the Hawaii Premier League.
Garrett was known for his professionalism, fairness, and integrity on the field. He was respected by players, coaches, and fans alike for his calm demeanor, clear communication, and consistent decisions. He was also a mentor and a role model for many young and aspiring referees, sharing his knowledge and experience with them. He was a member of the Hawaii Soccer Referees Association and the Professional Referee Organization.
A Loving and Devoted Family Man
Garrett was not only a referee, but also a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his two sons, Tyler and Ryan, his parents, Robert and Mary, his sister, Jennifer, and his extended family and friends. He was a devout Christian and a member of the Diamond Head Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, hiking, surfing, and playing golf.
Jerome Garrett’s family and friends described him as a kind, generous, and compassionate person who always had a smile on his face. He was a source of joy and inspiration for many people. He loved his family deeply and was proud of his sons. He was also a loyal and supportive friend who was always there to help and encourage others.
A Tribute and A Legacy
Jerome Garrett’s death was a shock and a tragedy for the football community and the society at large. He was honored and remembered by many people who expressed their condolences and tributes to him and his family. Some of the tributes included:
The Hawaii Premier League canceled all its matches for the following weekend and held a moment of silence before each game for the rest of the season.
The Major League Soccer, the USL Championship, and the Professional Referee Organization also held a moment of silence before each game and wore black armbands in his memory.
The FIFA, the CONCACAF, and the Copa America organizers issued statements of sympathy and appreciation for his service and contribution to the sport.
The Diamond Head Church held a memorial service for him and his family, attended by hundreds of people, including his fellow referees, players, coaches, and fans.
The Hawaii Soccer Referees Association and the Professional Referee Organization established a scholarship fund in his name to support young and aspiring referees.
Jerome Garrett’s legacy will live on through his family, his friends, his colleagues, and his passion for the sport. He will be remembered as a passionate and professional referee, a loving and devoted family man, and a kind and generous person. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and loved him.
