Following the untimely passing of veteran dancehall artiste Merciless, his autopsy report has been deemed inconclusive. The post-mortem examination did not reveal an official cause of death, leaving many to infer the merit of a statement made by his former manager Harvel “Gadaffi” Hart, that the entertainer died of a broken heart.
Merciless, whose given name is Leonard Bartley is the latest victim in a series of tragedies hitting the local recording fraternity. Most recently have been the deaths of reggae crooner Bugle’s mothers and Sanchez’s mother and son.
The deejay was found dead at a hotel on Beechwood Avenue in St. Andrew only days after celebrating his 51st birthday.
According to initial reports, Merciless, known for his lyrical prowess and one of the most formidable opponents in dancehall clashes, passed away on Tuesday, July 19, while sojourning in Kingston. It’s understood that Merciless was discovered face down on the bed when hotel workers and his driver entered the room after not hearing from him the entire day.
In a media report, his chauffeur stated he was last seen alive Monday night after returning to his room but heard nothing from the artiste for the proceeding hours, which raised the alarm and led to the discovery.
Aside from his surplus of hits, Merciless is fondly remembered as one of the most formidable opponents in dancehall clashes.
