Former Scare Dem Crew member Boom Dandimite reportedly died Sunday morning in a US hospital following an accident last month.
Boom Dandimite, real name Herman Stewart, is well known from the dancehall crew Scare Dem Crew of the 1990s along with Bounty Killer, Nitty Kutchie, Harry Toddler and Elephant Man. The deejay was also close with dancehall superstar Bounty Killer, whom they befriended and also toured together.
Dandimite was reportedly rushed to hospital shortly after arriving in the United States, where he visited on Saturday. According to the Jamaica Observer, after disembarking, the dancer and entertainer passed out and started foaming at his mouth. He was taken to hospital but died hours later on Sunday.
Dandimite was then recovering from an accident in Kingston last month in which he was bedridden. However, he appeared to be making progress and healing, a member of his camp said.
Doctors in the United States say Dandimite had several complications, including blood clots, pneumonia and other problems, his family members claim.
“The American doctors say he had blood clots, all sorts of complications, he had pneumonia, and the doctors also said a lot of his medical issues were being ignored wherever he was being treated in Jamaica.”
The accident in which Dandimite was involved happened on Half Way Tree Road near the Sugar and Spice bakery and also involved Willful Skilful, another DJ who was part of Dandimite’s crew.
Willful Skilful suffered minor injuries, but Dandimite was hospitalized for just under a week at Kingston Public Hospital.
On Sunday, the news of his death shocked his fans and friends, who posted tributes on social media.
Producer Skatta Burrell wrote on Instagram: “So much greatness and humility taken away. @dancehalldanimite’s heart was the cleanest and most real. Just get the news and Mi can’t even go back to sleep. This was supposed to be your big moment on the @reggaesumfest Mi G stage. Sincere condolences to his children and loved ones.
Dandimite was scheduled to perform at Sumfest on July 21 as part of the festival’s ’90s Badness segment alongside General B, Harry Toddler, Jigsy King, Mega Banton, Nitty Kutchie, Silver Cat and Tony Curtis.
Other artists, including Sean Paul, Tanya Stephens and Ikel Marvlus, all expressed shock and condolences to his family.