Every so often there are events that occur that cause us to stop and reflect upon those things that are truly important in life.This week, our Island was jolted with tragedy by the deaths of two young men, 18-year-old, Malcolm Outerbridge, and 27-year-old Landroe Minors.Their deaths have certainly had an impact on all of us, evident by the outpouring of condolences and tributes Island-wide. As I knew both personally in the sporting fraternity, I thought it fitting to honour them through this week’s article through tributes from my brother Wendell who knew the both of them and my son Jonte’ who grew up playing football with Malcolm at North Village.Wendell says: “Malcolm Outerbridge was a well-behaved youngster who never once was sent to my office. He was blessed to have two extremely supportive parents. To them and their lovely daughter, I publicly extend my heartfelt condolences.“It is in respect to the second loss that I wish to share some sporting highlights, and pay tribute to an immense talent, namely Landro Minors.“At the St. David’s CCC he played an integral role in helping us to secure the 50-over league championship. From the very first game against Rangers at the Oval to the finale, against St. George’s, at Lords, his talents shone brightly.“At Southampton, we set a goal to achieve 300 runs and thereby garner additional bonus points. Landro came to the wicket with the score around 240 and proceeded to frustrate the Rangers fielders with his clever and swift running between the wickets.“Of particular note was the manner in which he and Sammy Robinson continued to take cheeky singles. The more the Rangers fielders tried to prevent the singles, the more this pair continued to take them on. In the end, with the help of big hitting Loren Marshall, we batted out the 50 overs and finished with a total of 319.“Without a doubt, Landro was our quickest runner between the wickets. Still, it was his fielding displays this year that were most outstanding. Landro went the entire season without dropping a single catch. He possessed the safest hands in a team of fine fielders. There was, however, one particular piece of fielding that he produced that was simply world class.“In the match against St. George’s that would determine the league champions, Clay Smith was in full flow and threatening to spoil our plans. With only five overs gone, he had cracked both Justin Pitcher and Dell Hollis out the Lord’s ground. With the score racing up to 40-plus in a jiffy, we were potentially looking at 280 to 300 plus if this continued. Enter Landro Minors to the scenario. As Clay looked to steal the strike by taking a cheeky single on the last ball of an over, a piece of sheer brilliance ensued.“Clay pushed the ball to mid-off and scampered off towards the bowler’s end. Landro, fielding in the covers area, spotted this and intercepted the ball with an outstretched right hand. All in one motion, he dived full length with his body parallel to the ground and from about 10 yards out produced an underarm flick from side on of the wicket. Although there was but one stump to hit, Landro’s throw was direct, leaving Clay well out of his ground and the spectators amazed.“This one feat of pure brilliance turned the game instantly for St. George’s capitulated to 130-odd all out, bringing a much desired league crown to the aptly named Warriors. In a season of multiple highs and lows, this one feat of fielding brilliance stands out as the most spectacular in my memory.“As a player, Landro was very respectful, cooperative and coachable. In fact, he was a coach’s dream, always willing to bat wherever the team needed him. Today’s players would do well to follow this lead.“He was the ultimate team player. I observed with amusement how he and close friend Fiqrue Crockwell often jested over who was going to win their five hundred dollar bet for scoring the most runs in the season. It was pleasing to see that when they batted together neither ran the other out. The team always came first. Landro, thank you for your valuable contributions.“The Lord blessed you with immense talent. Gone, but never forgotten. May you rest in peace, and may we, who were fortunate to witness your feats, reflect on those more significant aspects of life: friends, family, and our relationships with one another and the Father.”Jonte’ speaks in reference to his friend Malcolm: “I remember playing football with Malcolm at North Village where he always gave 100 percent in training and he rarely missed a session.“I remember his quickness, at that time wishing I could run as fast as him. Malcolm was willing to put in the effort and always wanted to get involved, always going the extra mile. “Hearing of his death was tough for me and I felt the need to share my sad news with one of my team-mates at Crawley before a very important game for us.“So as I mentioned to my friend Nathan about Malcolm and how hard it was for me to focus, he told me to make Malcolm proud giving me renewed motivation for the match. I send out my condolences to Mrs. Outerbridge and family. Gone but never forgotten. R.I.P. my friend.”Bermuda what can I say?It is sad to have lost two of our young men and as I sit and reflect, tears fall from my eyes as I think about all of the things we as humans take for granted.I want to encourage everyone to love one another and show more love towards others. To both families may God Bless you and comfort you through this time.