Unexpected farewell: boxing sensation Giselle Salandy passes in Trinidad

We've been covering Trinidadian boxing sensation Giselle Salandy in Caribbean Beat since 2003. Just a few months ago, she was featured in our popular boxing issue (March/April 2008).

The world record-breaking reigning WBA, IWBF, WIBA and WBC World Light Middleweight champion and holder of the Trinidad & Tobago Chaconia Medal (Gold) – T&T's second highest honour – recently made another successful defence of her titles just over a week ago on Boxing Day (December 26, 2008) in Trinidad.

Born Jizelle Joseph, Salandy was arguably the greatest female boxer the islands have ever produced, and seemed sure to continue shining as an international boxing star.

It is with great sadness, then, that we report she passed away early this morning after sustaining injuries in a vehicular accident on the Beetham Highway near Port of Spain, Trinidad, just weeks short of her 22nd birthday.

Our sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Giselle. You will be missed.

Photo courtesy Trinidad Publishing Company. Published in Caribbean Beat, March/April 2003

US boxer Dakota Stone, left, fights Giselle Salandy at the Jean Pierre Complex, Trinidad.
Photo: Anthony Harris (published in Caribbean Beat, March/April 2008)

More on Giselle Salandy (January 25, 1987–January 4, 2009):

• Slugging Her Way to the Top (Kwame Laurence, Caribbean Beat, March/April 2003, Issue #60)
• Fighting Out of the Box (Laura Dowrich-Phillips, Caribbean Beat, March/April 2008, Issue #90)
• RIP Giselle (Discover TnT Blog, January 4, 2009)
  
• Salandy Scores Record Win (Discover TnT Blog, April 2, 2008)
• Giselle Salandy Profile on Women Boxing Archive Network (WBAN)
• Salandy Wins Boxing Day Bout With Hernandez (CTNTWorld.com, December 27, 2008)