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Viewing & Service to take place @ Methodist Church in Sea Cows Bay

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The funeral for popular and respected track and field coach, Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels is scheduled for October 21, 2017, according to information reaching Virgin Islands News Online.
Mr Samuels, who was the coach of world leading 400m hurdles athlete, Kyron A. McMaster of the Virgin Islands, lost his life due to injuries sustained during Hurricane Irma on September 6, 2017.
The viewing and service will take place at the Methodist Church in Sea Cows Bay.
Viewing is scheduled for 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with service to begin immediately after.
See previous article published September 28, 2017
Passing of ‘Dag’ Samuels sends shockwave across local & international athletics
The passing of Xavier “Dag” Samuels, during Hurricane Irma, has left the athletics family of NACAC and the Caribbean in a state of mourning.
Whilst the entire local Sports fraternity is still in shock, and details of the funeral are still to be confirmed, Victor Lopez, on behalf of the NACAC athletics family and as NACAC President and Member of the IAAF Board, has expressed his deepest condolences to the family of Coach Xavier ‘Dag’ Samuels.
“We are totally dismayed at the passing of Dag, who was not only a dear friend but was a mentor in advanced courses for the region.For the CAC programme, he was one of the most outstanding coaches for the first level courses. Such course was historic because it was the first official activity held at the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee after it was inaugurated by IOC President Juan Samaranch.”
A father of VI athletics
In conjunction with Reynold ‘Rey’ O’Neal OBE, he was one of the fathers of BVI Athletics.
“He was one of our most outstanding coaches obtaining medals worldwide with his national athletes and has been standing out internationally for more than a decade. As an example, currently he was training Kyron McMaster, who has the world leading time in the 400m hurdles this year and was the winner of the Diamond League final.
He was a sincere individual, tireless worker, exceptional organiser, great coach and friend.
The NACAC Area and the OECS region lose one of its best treasures as a human being and we will remember him forever. We are all indebted for everything he gave our sport and even more for being an exceptional human being.
With pain in my soul, I write this testimony. I am sure that I speak on behalf of thousands of mutual friends of the brother that left us physically but who will be spiritually present with all of us at all times.”