Reported By: Jhadae Masters
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) community is in mourning following the official identification of a body found in a canal in Hartlands, St.Catherine, as that of 39-year-old Electrical Engineering student Michael Patterson. Patterson, a resident of Ensom City in Spanish Town, had been the subject of a missing person report days before the disheartening discovery on Tuesday February 24, 2026.
Beloved Engineering Student
Known to many on campus by the nickname “Chemical”; which was a variation of his name ‘Michael’ he was a prominent and beloved figure within the School of Engineering. Patterson returned to university at 39 on a mission to turn his life around. He was following in the
footsteps of his father, who also studied Electrical Engineering at UTech. Driven by a desire for financial stability and a deep-seated work ethic, he balanced a security job, tutoring, and a recent venture into ride-sharing with inDrive to fund his tuition. While friends had previously warned him about the dangers of ride-sharing, Patterson felt he had no other choice. He had pointed out that his security job was not enough and there are no STEM scholarships offered to persons of his age. Despite his heavy workload, his friend Kamarea remembers him as a “bundle of joy” who made a joke out of everything. “He always said that he wasn’t as smart as the rest of them, so he always
had to be studying,” she shared. Patterson’s selflessness was best seen in his role as a tutor. Aware that his own handwriting was difficult to read, he took extra time to type up his notes to share with his peers, ensuring no one fell behind. “He was the most selfless, helpful person I knew,”; Kamarea stated.
A Call for Student Safety
In a townhall meeting held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 with students and staff, UTech President Dr. Kevin Brown described the death as “sad and unfortunate.”; While expressing hope that the police investigation would provide clarity, Dr. Brown urged the student body to remain vigilant. He emphasized the importance of exercising caution, particularly for students navigating work and study
commitments off-campus. As the St. Catherine North Police continue their investigation, the UTech Journalism Society joins the wider campus in extending deepest condolences to Patterson’s family, his friends, and the many students he mentored.