Jamaican deejay, songwriter and gospel-reggae artiste Lt. Stitchie has died at age 60. The veteran entertainer, whose real name was Cleveland Laing, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, at a Kingston hospital, one day before his 61st birthday.
Lt. Stitchie first rose to prominence during the 1980s dancehall era with hits including “Wear Yuh Size,” “Natty Dread,” “Night and Day” and “Dress To Impress.” In 1988, he signed with Atlantic Records, releasing three albums with the major label and helping introduce Jamaican dancehall to a wider international audience.
Following a life-changing experience in 1997, Stitchie embraced Christianity and redirected his career toward gospel reggae. He went on to become a respected gospel artiste, minister, motivational speaker and author, while continuing to acknowledge the dancehall roots that shaped his career.
In 2021, he was awarded the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) for his contribution to reggae and dancehall music locally and internationally. His musical legacy also continued into recent years, with new recordings released as he remained active in music despite serious health challenges.
Lt. Stitchie suffered a major stroke in 2024 and spent the following years undergoing rehabilitation. His passing brings to a close a remarkable career that spanned dancehall, gospel, ministry and more than four decades of Jamaican music.






