WATCH: Alberton community rallies behind family of rugby player after sudden death
Residents, friends and fellow rugby players gathered on Youth Day to honour Hannes de Beer’s memory and raise funds for his wife and young daughter following his sudden death on June 13.
The Alberton community came together on Youth Day to honour the memory of 38-year-old Alberton Rugby Club player Hannes de Beer and support his family following his sudden passing on June 13.
The Brackendowns CPF and Brackendowns Youth Desk dedicated proceeds from their annual Youth Day Walk to de Beer’s wife and daughter.
De Beer, who had played rugby since his school days, was representing Alberton Rugby Club when tragedy struck.
@albertonrecord Residents, friends and fellow rugby players gathered on Youth Day to honour Hannes de Beer’s memory and raise funds for his wife and young daughter following his sudden death on June 13. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
According to Jordan Feenstra of the Brackendowns CPF, whose sister was a friend of de Beer, he had completed the first half and was about 10 minutes into the second when he collapsed on the field in front of spectators, including friends and family.
“He was lying on the ground unconscious. Two on-site paramedics, myself, and a few others rushed towards Hannes. We started doing CPR because we could not find a pulse.
“Multiple ambulances and medics arrived at the rugby club. We did CPR for about 40 minutes, but he was pronounced dead after that,” said Feenstra.
Despite the heart-breaking outcome, Feesntra said the response from those at the rugby grounds left a lasting impression on him.
“For me, it was amazing to see that people who did not even know Hannes stepped forward to help him. They performed CPR and did everything they could to try and bring him back.
“It shows that there is still kindness, compassion and humanity in the world,” he said.
Feenstra described de Beer as a devoted family man and loyal friend.
“He was a gentle giant with the biggest heart. He was the best friend anyone could ever ask for.
“He was the life of the party but also a great listener when times got tough. He was an amazing dad and caring husband. His little girl was the apple of his eye.
“He was in his element at a braai surrounded by the people he loved while teaching everyone his awesome sales pitches and skills.
“He died doing what he loved, surrounded by the people who were very dear to him,” he added.
Speaking after the Youth Day Walk, De Beer’s friend Anton Coetzee struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the impact his friend had on those around him.
@albertonrecord Speaking after the Youth Day Walk, De Beer’s friend Anton Coetzee struggled to hold back tears as he reflected on the impact his friend had on those around him. “He was different. He didn’t have many words, but his impact on so many people’s lives is amazing. He was a guy who led by example. If you open up social media now, you’ll see all the way to Durban and Cape Town; Hannes is known. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
“He was different. He didn’t have many words, but his impact on so many people’s lives is amazing. He was a guy who led by example. If you open up social media now, you’ll see all the way to Durban and Cape Town; Hannes is known.
“I think he’s looking down on us, watching us. I just want to say to his wife, his child, his mother and family, from our side as old friends and rugby players, we stand by you in everything. Press our buttons. This is one good friend of mine,” said Coetzee, breaking down in tears.
Brackendowns CPF chairperson Jeoff Steyn thanked residents who participated in the walk and supported the fundraising effort.
“As one family and one community, we stand with Hannes, his wife and his child. We all appreciate it. We must not only use security to come together.
“This is our community too and this is our country too. We need to stand with each other and make a difference,” said Steyn.
@albertonrecord Brackendowns CPF chairperson Jeoff Steyn thanked residents who participated in the walk and supported the fundraising effort. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za
He encouraged residents to become involved in community initiatives and crime-fighting efforts alongside the CPF, SAPS and EMPD.
The walk served not only as a Youth Day event but also as a reminder of the strength of community support during times of loss, with residents uniting to assist a family facing an unimaginable tragedy.
ALSO READ: Alberton rugby player dies on field, Youth Day Walk to raise funds
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