The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has paid tribute to the former Jamaican athlete Ernie Haisley, who died last week—a few days before his 88th birthday.

Haisley, a high jumper, was the winner of the event at the 1958 British Empire and Commonwealth Games. He also finished third in the high jump at the 1959 Pan American Games.

Minister Grange said she was “saddened” by Haisley’s passing and referred to him as “one of the heroes who helped to establish Jamaica’s reputation in athletics.”

She also referred to Haisley’s 15th-place finish in the high jump at the 1956 Olympic Games, which is still Jamaica’s best finish in the event at the Olympics.

The minister expressed condolences to Haisley’s family and friends.