Lt. Stitchie suffers brain haemorrhage, needs urgent care

Dancehall and gospel legend, Lt. Stitchie, needs urgent care after suffering a recent brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive.

Sophia Laing, the wife of Stitchie (real name, Cleveland Laing) made the revelation on Tuesday in a GoFundMe plea asking for immediate assistance. In the GoFundMe, set up this past weekend to try and raise USD 100,000 for his care, Laing released a statement about the situation.  “We are reaching out to you during this incredibly challenging time. Our beloved Cleve ‘Lt Stitchie’ Laing, a husband, father, and friend, has recently suffered a severe brain haemorrhage that has left him unresponsive.”

Additionally, Laing stated, “We urgently need you to join us to provide the help needed in a long-term care facility, where he can receive rehabilitation care. Your donation will make a difference by bringing hope to Lt Stitchie and his family during this difficult time. We are very grateful for your support to help cover the costs of his transfer, medical care, and living expenses in the long-term care home.”

Along with the GoFundMe setup, Stitchie’s long-time friend and fellow dancehall-turned-gospel singer Papa San has organized a concert in Mandeville for Jan. 4, 2025. Part of the proceeds from the concert will go towards Stichie’s medical costs.

Concerns Growing for Lt. Stitchie

Speculation mounted about the health of Stichie, 58, since last year. Stichie required assistance on stage during a show last holiday season in Jamaica. He also didn’t look well when he performed a few months in Toronto.

Stichie continues to be regarded as one of dancehall’s founding fathers, having been one of the genre’s top names during the 1980s alongside Papa San. Following a glittering dancehall career, including “Wear Yuh Size” and “Natty Dread,” he became born again and switched to gospel following a car accident in 1997. Some of his biggest gospel songs include “Fast and Pray” and “Gospel Reggae.”