Voicemail members (from left): Craig, Oneil and Kevin.

The entertainment community was shocked and saddened yesterday at the death of Voicemail's Oneil Edwards.

The deejay, who was shot while entering his home in Duhaney Park on Monday May 10 and was since admitted to the Kingston Public Hospital, succumbed to his injuries sometime after 2 p.m. yesterday. Edwards received several gunshot wounds and remained in hospital in critical condition. He never regained consciousness.

The news of the deejay's death hit the entertainment fraternity hard as they expressed their distress. Macka Diamond told THE STAR, "Me cyaan believe, mi just shock right ya now. Mi hear bout 15 minutes ago and sey cho is a rumour and now mi still cyaan process. Oneil a mi friend, somebody close to me. Jah know, ahh boy, Oneil is a man weh just love everybody inna di business, him nuh partial. Him show love to everybody."

D'Angel explained that she knew Edwards since she entered the music business and back when the group Voicemail was five rather than three members. She said, "Mi just inna shock right now, I thought he woulda pulled through but I guess God knows best. I want to send my condolences out to his friends and family, he's in a safer place." D'Angel described Edwards as an outgoing, energetic and hard worker who will be missed by all.

Reacting to the news of Edwards' passing, The Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Olivia Grange, said in a release that she was deeply saddened by his death: "This is a particularly bitter blow. We were all hoping and praying for Oneil's recovery. I share the deep sadness of his family, friends, group members and the wider entertainment fraternity. Oneil loved to entertain and he will be missed."

A release from Headline Entertainment, booking agent for Voicemail, said: 'Oneil was a guiding force behind the dancehall group, Voicemail, well known for their positive lyrics and high-energy performances. The group recently completed their third studio album, which includes the track One Life to Live proceeds from which will directly benefit his family.

"The Headline Entertainment family wishes to extend its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of Oneil Jason Charles Edwards. His light shall shine in our hearts."

On social-networking sites Twitter and Facebook, as the news spread a number of entertainers also expressed their sorrow. Timberlee on twitter said, "Oneil ... rest In peace my darling ... you're in a better, less painful place, eternal love." While on Facebook deejay Spice said, "RIP Oneil, Spice will always love you."

sincere condolences

OnFacebook a page was created for Edwards called 'Pray For Oneil From Voicemail' which has over 8,000 members. Fans of the artiste soon expressed their feelings. One fan said, "This is so sad RIP, Oneil, the good will carry you home safe and sound. My sincere condolences to the members of the group and the grieving family."

Another fan commented, "Wow, can someone please tell me that it just another rumour because Oneil is not dead. Jah know star, my heart is crying out even louder right ya now, the thought of his family and kid makes me tremble."

After the shooting, the entertainment fraternity had showed their support of the fallen member by holding two vigils. The first was held hours after the shooting in Half-Way Tree and the second was held in the parking lot of KPH.

The main suspect in Edwards' shooting incident was found dead shortly after, while a second suspect was picked up in Manchester and brought to Kingston.

When THE STAR had spoken to Voicemail's Craig Jackson a week after the shooting, he expressed that himself and fellow member Kevin Blaire were finding it hard to deal with the situation but were hopeful for Edwards' recovery.

Edwards died just three weeks after his 35th birthday. He battled his injuries for 16 days at the Kingston Public Hospital from five gunshot wounds.

A new father, Edwards is survived by his six-week- old daughter, his life partner, his mother, five sisters and four brothers.

Oneil Edwards of Voicemail - File photos