The late Gregg van Gurp b.k.a. “Mighty Gregg”. (Photo courtesy SCDF)
Well known Calypsonian "Mighty Gregg" found dead at his home.
Philipsburg:--- Calypsonian Gregg van Gurp "Mighty Gregg" also known as "Snoopy" died over the weekend at his home on Cannegieter Street, "Mighty Gregg" was also the driver of BUS-191. SMN News learnt that his body was found Monday morning by his brother. Reliable information reaching SMN News states that his body was already decomposing when it was found by his relatives who missed him over the weekend.
Relatives of the deceased man said Gregg informed his mother and other relatives that he was feeling unwell on Saturday. Police forensics confirmed to the relatives that he died on Saturday evening of natural causes.
SMN News learnt that Mighty Gregg was told by a particular doctor that he needed emergency medical care some two months ago but the lack of medical insurance prevented him from seeking the emergency care he needed.
In a press release, the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Calypsonian and former Road march King The Mighty Gregg aka "Snoopy". May his artistry live on in others and may he forever be remembered as the GREAT Carnival stalwart that he was. Carnival on St. Maarten has lost a terrific artist with a unique voice. A voice we will all remember. He will definitely be missed, but forever loved.
Sing on Snoopy, sing on!
Van Gurp in a body bag being lowered by forensic
specialists from the rooftop where he was found.
PHILIPSBURG—
Police Central Dispatch received a call Monday at 9:00am reporting the discovery of a decomposing body on the balcony of a residence in the Philipsburg shopping district.
It took several phone calls to friends and family to establish that the body that had been exposed to the sun for an estimated two days was indeed that of well-known calypso artiste Gregory van Gurp.
Police spokesman Inspector Ricardo Henson said, “He was very well-liked in the community. His family identified the body.”
Fellow calypsonian Isidore “The Mighty Dow” York said that while it was a sad moment, he wanted to remember Gregory “Snoopy” or “Town Man” van Gurp for their years of creating music in the calypso arena.
York and Van Gurp had recorded the hit holiday record “Christmas in St. Maarten” together about
five years ago. York described Van Gurp as always being in good spirits, ready to make jokes. He extended condolences to Van Gurp’s family, friends and supporters.
Calypsonian Marvin “King Stunky” Dollison expressed his shock at Van Gurp’s passing. “All other musicians and myself, we lost a great one,” said Dollison.
He described Van Gurp as a man who had lived his life always in good spirits and who had contributed substantially to the local music industry.
St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) extended condolences to the family, friends and fans of the calypsonian and former Road March King.
“May his artistry live on in others and may he forever be remembered as the great Carnival stalwart that he was. Carnival in St. Maarten has lost a terrific artist with a unique voice –
a voice we will all remember.
He will definitely be missed, but forever loved. Sing on Snoopy, sing on,” stated SCDF.
THE DAILY HERALD, Tuesday, June 7, 2011