From Special Correspondent to IMAGES
Jamaican international model Kirk Headley, 31 was reportedly found dead at the upscale Paddington Terrace residence of his parents in Kingston, Jamaica. The Jamaica Observer reported today that Kirk’s body was found hanging outside the house early Thursday morning and the police suspect suicide.
The tragic discovery was made shortly after Headley had returned home from the Norman Manley airport where he had dropped off his parents to catch an early flight to Mexico via Miami. Kirk’s parents, Lindy and Carmen Headley are now on their way back to Jamaica after learning of the horrible loss.
Kirk is the grandson of the celebrated former West Indies cricketer George Headley. Kirk is a graduate of University of Technology and he shot to international prominence in the mid 1990s when he was selected by the then fashion editor of Vibe Magazine Emile Wilbeken to do a multi page swim wear spread in the glossy monthly.
The shoot was considered a success and this opened up fashion opportunities for Kirk that included a residential stint in South Africa.
Last year, Kirk was featured in the music video The Love That a Woman Should Give to a Man shot for VP Records recording artist Althea Hewitt. The song is a Phyllis Dillon classic. Kirk was also featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show in the late 1990s, having been voted first runner up in the Sexiest Man In the Caribbean contest.
It appeared Kirk Headley suffered from a bipolar condition, and Jamaican police sources say he was depressed and receiving treatment for his illness.
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Marsha
This is very sad news.Never knew him but I heard that he was a nice and humble person.
Champs Model Management
Kirk Headley was introduced to modelling by Miss Debbie Ann Stanley C.E.O of Champs Model Management where she made him popular internationally by sending him to represent Jamaica in the Bahamas in the Opra's Sexiest Man Alive competition in 1998 where he placed 2nd, he then competed and won the first ever Manhunt Mr. Jamacia 1999 (produced by Champs), went on to be the first Jamaican to enter the international finals in China coming 4th out of 45 countries. After returning to Jamaica he was scouted by others result being his international career. He did numerous TV & print adds under Champs.
Contact champs,Gleaner,Observer & The Star archives for clarification.
Our condolences to family & friends.
CHAMPS MODEL MANAGEMENT
Dean H
Kirk and I knew each other for a short time in our lives. However a closeness was immediate. He will be missed from all family everywhere and we are very proud of him by what he achieved in his short life. Love and Peace to all our family in Jamaica. The world will be a lesser place.
Anonymous
My name is Amir and I am Bermudian Int’l model whom new kirk well. Kirk and I share the same agents in Johannesburg who loved him greatly. Ice Model Management in Johannesburg did all they could to give him the love and guidance they could give. Kirk and I were very close and we shared some amazing moments and it disturbs me to find out that he did this to himself. Jayn Hancock and Taryn Findlay of Ice models protected our kirk like their own family and I would like to say thank you on Kirk’s behalf because Kirk was my friend. Kirk ” I will miss you” and will try my level best to be at your home going ceremony in Jamaica and on behalf of the South African Fashion Industry ” Thank You for your contribution on making us look GREAT!. Readers of this comment that can assist with accommodations for the funeral please send email to : amirbda@aol.com
horace walker
Kirk I’m proud to have known you and will cherish those moments when we use to work the runway together.
horace walker
Happy I gotten the chance to chat and chilled a little at the club. I pray that your family be strong and focus on the happy moments they had with you.
Megan J. Wong
This is shocking news about Kirk. I went to Highschool with him. Kirk you are dearly missed. My heart goes out to Kirk’s family. Kirk I wanted you know how much you were loved by your family and friends.
Anonymous
This is a true lesson to me. I lost contact with a dear friend and I will mever have the opportunity to see him again. Ten years ago while we were students at uhwi school of physical therapy we were inseparable. He went away to south africa and we lost touch and now he’s gone….just like that…Kamla
claudia
Kirk and i shared many a good times together in south africa, we were friends, roomates and he was just a good guy overall. God be with him,my prayers go out to him and his family. Love Claudia S.
Anonymous
Had the privilege of working with Kirk some 10 yrs ago – A lovely chap he was.
My prayers go out to his family.
God is your strong tower.
Paulette Khaleel
THIS IS JUST SO SAD. IT WAS JUST TODAY I MADE A COMMENT ON HIS PHOTO ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT HE PASSED ON. SO YOUNG AND SO SOON….
MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE……
CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY….
Anonymous
Donna said,
To the Headley Family. It cannot be easy at this time to cope with the loss of your son Kirk. But be assured that God will give you the strength to go through this difficult time. May God overwhelm you with His Love,His Peace,and comfort you.
Images Newsleter
Images Newsletter has been informed that Kirk Headley’s memorial service will take place at Livity Restaurant in Hope Gardens, Kingston, on Monday April 6 at 2:00 PM
Megan J. Wong
I am lost for words….I am sooo sorry for your loss. Kirk you are dearly missed.
Anonymous
I was just going through some pics of a friend on Facebook and saw the tributes for Kirk. I was like what da f@%k. I migrated to the US and has not been following the local news a lot. I guess this is a signal that I need to.
I knew of Kirk and would see him on campus occasionally while we both were students at UTech. He was a very humble an unassuming guy. I do hope he'll find rest and is in a better place.
This should be a wake up call for us to lend a listening ear and an understanding mind with a compassionate heart to others, because you may just be the rescue to the "demons" that he/she may be struggling with.
My condolence to his many friends and family.