Jeavon Sasso, a former member of the influential Awesome Jam Band, has died from injuries sustained in a horrific car crash Monday, police confirmed Thursday.
Sasso, 42, had been removed from a life-sustaining ventilator at Schneider Regional Medical Center around 4 p.m. Wednesday.
The other driver in the two-car crash on Rhymer Highway after 10:30 Monday night, was also at Schneider Hospital being treated for her injuries, police said. Her condition and the extent of her injuries were not immediately clear.
Police were still investigating the crash that turned one of the vehicles involved upside down.
Sasso, also known as UnkleMehn, was remembered by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. as a voice of positivity, joy, and harmony in the Virgin Islands.
“It is with a heavy heart that I join the Virgin Islands community in mourning the untimely passing of our brother, Jeavon Sasso,” Bryan said in a written statement from Government House. “Sasso was more than a gifted musician. He was a spirit of joy, a voice of our islands, and a proud son of the Virgin Islands whose rhythm carried the heartbeat of our people and the promise of our future. His music brought people together, lifted our spirits and reminded us of the beauty and resilience that define us.”
Bryan said Sasso had been an ardent supporter, performing at several of his campaign events.
“He shared his talents freely, lending his voice and artistry to my gubernatorial campaigns. That support meant more to me than he will ever know. It was a gift of trust and friendship, and I will remain forever grateful,” the governor said. “Today, we remember him for the melodies he gave us, the kindness he showed, and the loyalty and light he shared with all who knew him. On behalf of Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and the entire Bryan-Roach administration, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones and all who mourn his loss,” he said. “May his music live on in the hearts of our people, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Awesome Jam Band posted on its social media that Sasso had an infectious spirit, sparking laughter that will echo long after his death.
“It feels like just the other day we were all together on The Awesome Jam Band’s Boat Ride; laughing, vibing, and watching you do your thing on the mic as only you could. The energy, the joy, the laughter, you lit up every space you entered,” the post read.
The Source will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
10 p.m. Wednesday
A man critically injured in the violent car crash on Rhymer Highway Monday night on St. Thomas was removed from life-sustaining treatment Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed.
Jeavon Sasso, a former member of the influential Awesome Jam Band, was removed from a ventilator around 4 p.m. Wednesday, police said.
Police were still investigating the crash that critically injured the celebrated performer, also known as UnkleMehn or simply Sasso.
Around 10:30 Monday night, police responded to a collision on the Rhymer Highway near the KLR entrance — near the turnoff to Caribbean Cinema and the Moravian church. One of the vehicles had flipped upside down. Witnesses speculated speed may have been a factor, police said, but cautioned that an investigation was still underway.
The other victim, a woman, was being treated for her injuries at Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center, police said.
Jam Band posted on their Facebook page calls for support for their former singer.
“We want to take a moment to send our love and support to our brother, former Awesome Jam Band member Sasso. We’re keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you focus on healing, brother. Your energy, talent, and spirit have always been a part of our journey, and we’re standing with you now, wishing you a full and speedy recovery,” the post read.
As of print time, no further information was available on Sasso’s or the other victim’s condition. The Source will update this article when more is known.
