The Tribune

By FARAH

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A CLOSE friend of Bahamian songstress, T’rez Hepburn has dismissed rumours that the musician is brain dead or has died.

The rumours surfaced after she suffered a massive stroke and was admitted to Doctors Hospital on July 5.

According to OBI Pindling, manager of Visage band, Ms Hepburn is ‘still very much alive’

“On the morning of July 5, Bahamian entertainer T’rez Hepburn suffered a massive stroke and since then has been in critical condition in the hospital. The following day, rumours began circulating that she had passed away which, thankfully, were not true. Needless to say, her mother, her son and other relatives also heard these rumours resulting in untold grief and sorrow, all on top of the obvious pain they were already experiencing,”  a statement said.

“The unfortunate thing about this is that certain persons were posting the rumours on Facebook and other social media as if it were fact without even trying to confirm the veracity of their information and worse, without any consideration at all for the effect that these falsehoods would have on her family.

“On two occasions, at the request of T’rez’s family, I resorted to social media and unofficially to electronic media to unequivocally deny these rumours and to request the public’s co-operation that they cease and desist from spreading these excruciatingly painful falsehoods. Each time I did so, it was after consultation with her doctor to ensure that the information I was giving to the public was factual.

“To date, T’rez is still very much alive albeit, in critical condition and in a battle for her life. Rumours that she is ‘brain dead’ are again not true.”

Mr Pindling said he spoke to the neurosurgeon attending to Ms Hepburn who said he was unsure where the rumours concerning T’rez’s condition started.

“To quote Dr Magnus Ekedede, ‘how can she be brain dead when she squeezes my hand each time I see her? He called me back saying, OBI, I have no idea where these rumours are coming from but you can rest assured that they are just not true. T’rez has an excellent team of doctors who are doing everything possible to assist her but we all know that she has the best doctor of all caring for her and that is her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Mr Pindling pleaded with the public to stop spreading rumours and instead pray for her speedy recovery.

“On behalf of T’rez’s mother, son, siblings and numerous other relatives and friends, I humbly appeal and plead to people, please have some concern, have some consideration for T’rez’s family. Please kindly refrain from spreading stories about T’rez’s condition, you have no idea what you are doing to her family. Her poor mother was uncontrollably washed away in tears, unable to cope,” the statement said.

“Her family wishes to thank the thousands of persons who have expressed their prayerful support and love for T’rez and her family during this most difficult period and ask that you continue praying. At this stage, we all know that this battle is not T’rez’ but instead it is the Lord’s and he has the final say. Instead of spreading false rumours, let us all continue to look to the heavens and continue to call on God for his mercy and glory and also that he keeps her family strong during this most difficult time.”