Controversy is surrounding the recent deaths of two men in Lawrence Tavern, St Andrew, after they attended a 'drink-up' event.

Several theories are being thrown about the community as to the possible cause of the men's death. While some persons have claimed that they were drinking a mixture of rum and an energy drink which turned out to be a lethal combin-ation, other persons have pointed to obeah or possible poisoning.

Reports reaching THE STAR are that the men were among a group at the event when they became ill after drinking the mixture. Two of the men are said to have died later while another was hospitalised. Another man is said to have been ill after the event.

According to a reliable source who spoke to THE STAR yesterday, a post-mortem is scheduled today for one of the men to determine the cause of death.

The source also said that the drinker who was hospitalised was released yesterday.

In the meantime, however, there are some residents who are convinced that the men were either poisoned or a spell cast on them after a dispute about an animal that was stolen in the community.

He said that they started complaining that they were feeling sick after drinking at the event. "Them say the man dem start complain after them drink, say them feel like something a run up and down inna them belly," the source said.

When THE STAR contacted the Lawrence Tavern police yesterday to get details on the incident, we were told they are aware of the men's death but information was sketchy.