The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A YOUNG man who suffered from mental illness and was reported missing earlier this week by his father was discovered on Wednesday after allegedly taking his own life.

The body of Wayne Rolle Jr, 28, was found in an abandoned building in Eight Mile Rock.

Police reports indicate that the 28-year-old male resident of Jones Town was discovered hanging from a wire inside a vacant building situated on Queens Highway around 12.20pm on Wednesday.

Wayne Rolle Sr said that his son battled with mental illness and had attempted suicide on two previous occasions.

“I lost my son today,” he said. “It was his third time attempting suicide. This time he succeeded.”

Mr Rolle said the last time he saw his son was on Tuesday morning after leaving for work.

“I had no sign that he would do this,” he said. “I last spoke with him when I was going to work that morning at 8:30am Tuesday. We fist bumped, and I told him I would see him when I get off.”

According to the father, Wayne Jr was receiving counselling and had been attending a doctor and receiving therapy once a month.

He described his only son as a reserved young man with a quiet demeanour.

“He was very quiet from since he was a child. He always stayed to himself; he was never in any trouble,” he recalled.

“He was my best friend,” Mr Rolle said, describing the close bond between them. He also added that his son did not have friends and often stayed at home around the family.

Wayne Jr lived with his father and would come straight home after work. He had been missing since noon on Tuesday – a day before his body was found.

The family tried to support Wayne Jr through his mental health challenges.

“We tried to get him counselling. He went to a doctor once a month and did therapy once a month,” Mr Rolle said.

His son’s 28th birthday was on September 19.

Mr Rolle believes that some people don’t understand that mental illness is a sickness just like any other disease.

“They don’t understand that it is a sickness like cancer. They would say, ‘oh, he is crazy,’ you know. But it is an illness - a sickness of the mind.”

Mr Rolle said his young daughter is devastated by her brother’s death. “She is taking it hard; she is not saying much but has cried a lot,” he said.

“It really don’t feel real. But I thank God I had 28 years with him,” he said.