KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Leader Mark Golding has hailed the late Stephen Francis as a towering figure in track and field, describing his death as a profound loss for Jamaica and the international athletics community. Francis died late Saturday, a day after celebrating his 64th birthday. READ: Stephen Francis, legendary Jamaican track coach, has died In a social media post on Sunday, Golding said he was deeply saddened by the passing of Francis, affectionately known as "Franno".