Angelo Laurance, Star Writer

Noted Manchester video businessman Christopher Gooden died in a tragic accident about 3:30 a.m. yesterday on the Winston Jones Highway near the New Green roundabout in Manchester.

It is reported that his blue Mitsubishi van rammed into the back of a parked trailer. On a visit to his home, his parents Cutel and Joyce Gooden, along with neighbours and friends who gathered, were clearly shaken and questioned why.

His father and mother noted him as a "good son" who was dedicated and helpful to many. One friend said Gooden, 40, had only a few weeks ago given him a job he could not manage because of previous commitment. Another friend said the now deceased had only a few minutes before he dropped him off at his home then was on his way home to get some rest. They were on their way from a wedding in Montego Bay. He said Chris had said he was not going bird shooting in the morning but instead would go straight home.

The news sent shockwaves throughout the media fraternity of Manchester as Gooden was a noted videographer and audio technician who helped with audio equipment set-up and had videotaped several weddings in Jamaica. His last job was done in Montego Bay on Saturday, hours before his death.