The Tribune

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE adopted father of Melvin Henfield recalled how the musician came to his office last year to discuss what should happen if he died — a conversation he dismissed at the time — as relatives and friends gathered on Saturday to bury the 34-year-old killed in the July 10 North Andros plane crash.

Henfield, widely known as DJ Fresh, was among ten people killed when the aircraft crashed while approaching San Andros Airport.

Bishop Elton Major, who raised Henfield from the age of 13, told mourners at Faith United Missionary Baptist Church that he never imagined he would be the one delivering remarks at his adopted son’s funeral.

He recalled Henfield visiting his office in 2025 to discuss the possibility of his death.

“He said, ‘I come to talk to you just in the event that something happen,’” Bishop Major recalled.

His response, he said, was immediate: “Boy come out my office. We ain't talking about you dying. You have to bury me. I'm not going to bury you.”

On Saturday, Bishop Major said, he was instead standing before mourners speaking over the son he had helped raise.

“Tragically, there are questions that many will have that remain unanswered,” he said. “July the 10th, Melvin’s life on Earth came to an unexpected end.”

He said he had wrestled with the same questions confronting others after Henfield’s death.

“Today we may ask why?” Bishop Major said. “Why did this happen? Why did God allow something like this?”

He said some questions may never be answered.

Henfield was remembered as a loyal friend, musician and minister whose work extended beyond his Fresh International entertainment platform.

He played several instruments, including the trumpet, baritone, piano and drums, and was also involved in preaching and religious ministry.

Bishop Major recalled giving Henfield an opportunity to preach while he was still a schoolboy and watching him take the responsibility seriously.

“He fasted and prayed,” he said.

When Henfield eventually took the pulpit, Bishop Major said, his delivery was so unexpected that he looked around to see whether a recording was playing.

Friends also struggled with the reality of gathering for Henfield’s funeral.

“I’m still completely lost for words,” one friend said. “Standing in the church, this exact moment of our lives, doing this for Melvin, it still feels unreal.”

Another friend broke down while remembering him.

“Melvin, thank you for being my friend, my brother, and such an unforgettable part of my life,” the friend said.

Towards the end of the service, Bishop Major brought Henfield’s youngest daughter to the stage and embraced her before the congregation.

“He lived his life to the fullest and he loved his life,” Bishop Major said. “Now I have to love his children.”

He said Henfield’s other daughter was watching the service from abroad.

Henfield was one of the victims of the July 10 crash that killed the pilot and all nine passengers aboard.

Separately, Eternal Rest Mortuary defended its handling of the funeral following public allegations concerning the services provided.

The funeral home said it takes seriously its responsibility to families who place loved ones in its care and remains committed to professional standards.

“We remain committed to maintaining high professional standards,” the mortuary said, “and ensuring that the services and arrangements agreed upon with each family are handled with compassion, integrity, and respect.”

It said legitimate concerns would be addressed through appropriate professional channels while it continued to protect the dignity and privacy of the families it serves.