According to a brief statement, “The family of Slinger Francisco The Mighty Sparrow is sad to announce that the Calypso King Of The World is in a New York hospital in a coma. The family is asking fans and the people of Trinidad and Tobago to pray for him and to respect their privacy. An update on his progress will be announced”.

There were reports Monday that legendary calypsonian the Mighty Sparrow (Slinger Francisco) is at a New York hospital in serious condition. A note on the Timeline of the Muzic Playerz DJ duo Facebook page stated that sources close to them informed them of his condition. The daily Express newspaper in Trinidad said it was told by someone who knows Sparrow that he was “very depressed” last week. Calls to Sparrow’s home and mobile phones in New York went unanswered, but on Tuesday, his wife, Margaret Francisco, confirmed the singer’s illness in a Facebook post.

General secretary of the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation Wayne “Kassman” McDonald, said they had not been informed that Sparrow was in hospital and could not confirm such. Sparrow was supposed to be presented a lifetime achievement award last Thursday by the Trinidad and Tobago Consulate in New York.

The calypsonian did not attend the ceremony and instead sent his son, Richard Francisco, to receive the award on his behalf, with a message that he was unable to attend the function.

Stay tuned for updates on Sparrow’s condition.