FORTY-year-old Luke Latiff hanged himself under a cashew tree in an empty plot of land across from the Night Shelter at Lot 1A Arapaima Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown at the close of daylight hours yesterday.He was not a resident of the Night Shelter, but had reportedly spent most of his time where his lifeless body was found. He and a group of kindred souls would lime, cook, and chat for hours in the empty plot of land; and none of his buddies knew he was contemplating death, since he had not indicated to them that he was disenchanted with life.

He reportedly had an outstanding court matter with the police, and he had confided in residents of the Night Shelter that he was really frustrated.

His death came as a surprise to many, including his friends at the Night Shelter. As news of his demise circulated, some said he was stupid to do that to himself, while others said that only he knew what he was going through.

Originally from Berbice, Latiff was said to be a normal, jovial person who practically took care of himself, but became fed up with life, having had a rough patch years ago, which caused him to migrate from Berbice.

When his body was discovered hanging at about 06:30 hrs, ranks from the nearby East La Penitence Police Station cut it down, and a hearse took it away. (Michel Outridge)