The Virgin Islands is mourning the loss of Jeavon Sasso, known to fans as Sasso, Uncle Sasso, and UnkleMehn, who died after being removed from life support. The VIPD confirmed his passing Thursday morning but has not yet specified the exact date or time of death, though it is believed to have occurred yesterday. He was critically injured on Sept. 8 in a two-vehicle collision along the Rhymer Highway near the KLR entrance on St. Thomas. He was 42.
Police said both vehicles involved came to rest in the roadway, with one overturning. Several people were transported to the Schneider Regional Medical Center for treatment. According to the VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte, Sasso was among those injured and had been placed on life support before his passing Wednesday evening. The case remains under investigation by the V.I. Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Bureau.
Sasso’s death has left a deep void in the Virgin Islands’ entertainment scene. A prolific vocalist, he rose to prominence with Poizon Band before continuing his legacy with Karnage Band, bringing unmatched energy and powerful stage presence to village nights, festival stages, and Carnival celebrations. His versatility across soca, calypso, bouyon, and fusion made him a defining force who helped shape the sound of modern Virgin Islands music.
[Sasso at the St. Croix Carnival Village in Jan. 2025]
His accomplishments are woven through recent Carnival history and credited recordings. Karnage’s 2023 release “Shake Up” was crowned the St. Thomas Carnival Road March song of the year, a benchmark moment in the local musical calendar. Sasso is credited as a songwriter on “Shake Up,” which speaks to his creative role behind one of the season’s signature anthems.
On stage, Sasso’s prominence was unmistakable across islands and seasons. He was a constant presence at Carnival Village nights and festival events on St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, his performances becoming cornerstones of the cultural calendar.
Sasso’s recorded legacy runs deeper than a single season. With Venomous Poizon, official releases list him on cuts such as “Heavy (feat. Sasso),” “Jello (feat. Sasso),” and “Sweep de Floor (feat. Uncle Sas),” documenting his featured role on the band’s catalog and cementing his status as a front-line voice. Earlier projects under the KarnAge banner—including “SIDDUNG,” “Vybes In Meh,” and “Sasso X Dunrod – Bend Forward”—showcase the breadth of his studio work and the continuity of his output over the years.
Tributes have poured in across social media, with Virgin Islanders at home and abroad calling for prayers for his family. Fans and fellow musicians are recalling his impact on the territory’s cultural life, reflecting on how his absence will recalibrate the entertainment landscape—just as the scene once reeled from the loss of iconic performers like Daddy Friday in 2005 and, more recently, Kilo, whose unexpected death shook the community in December, 2017.
Beyond individual performances, Sasso’s contribution to Virgin Islands music is measured in the inspiration he offered to new generations of artists and the connections he forged with audiences across the Caribbean. His performances transcended age groups, uniting crowds in moments that celebrated both culture and community.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. issued a statement on Thursday, September 11, reflecting on Sasso’s passing. “It is with a heavy heart that I join the Virgin Islands community in mourning the untimely passing of our brother, Jaevon Sasso,” he said. “Sasso was more than a gifted musician. He was a spirit of joy, a voice of our islands, and a proud son of the Virgin Islands whose rhythm carried the heartbeat of our people and the promise of our future. His music brought people together, lifted our spirits and reminded us of the beauty and resilience that define us.
“For me, his passing is deeply personal. Sasso was an ardent supporter of mine in word and in deed. He shared his talents freely, lending his voice and artistry to my gubernatorial campaigns. That support meant more to me than he will ever know. It was a gift of trust and friendship, and I will remain forever grateful.
“Today, we remember him for the melodies he gave us, the kindness he showed, and the loyalty and light he shared with all who knew him. On behalf of Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and the entire Bryan-Roach administration, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his loved ones and all who mourn his loss.
“May his music live on in the hearts of our people, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Sasso’s music and legacy remain as testament to a career that broke boundaries and uplifted the territory’s cultural identity.
British Caribbean News
