Family mourns child’s death
Matric pupil dies after being knocked over. His family speaks about their loss.
The Theunissen family from Elsburg is battling to come to terms with the sudden death of one of their members, Christiaan (17).
The Grade 12 pupil was knocked down just outside the gates of Hoërskool Elsburg at about 6.30am on Wednesday.
The GCN visited the grieving family on Thursday, to talk to his parents, Pieter and Hester.
Pieter told the GCN that at the moment everything feels unreal, but they know they have to pick up the pieces and carry on.
He said that from what he understands of the events of the day, Christiaan was on his way to buy a cold drink and was crossing Parnell Road, at the zebra crossing, just outside the school.
“Witnesses said that a taxi stopped for him to cross, but, as he was walking, a woman in another vehicle did not stop and her car hit him,” Pieter said.
Christiaan was critically injured and needed assistance to breathe, and had to be airlifted to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he died later that day.
William Ntladi, the media liaison officer for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services, said: “Upon arrival of the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, the boy was diagnosed with severe head injuries and possible chest fractures by the paramedics on scene.
“The helicopter had to be landed on the school sports grounds, in order to transport the child to hospital.”
Pieter told the GCN that the EMPD and emergency services were excellent on the scene.
“We especially thank Netcare 911 and an off-duty paramedic, who stopped to assist Christiaan,” Pieter said.
After the accident Christiaan’s family were notified and they rushed to the scene.
One of Christiaan’s friends, Ruan Ackermann, a matric pupil at Hoërskool Elspark, stayed with Christiaan’s parents and assisted them until they got to the hospital.
Pieter told the GCN that Christiaan suffered severe brain trauma, an injury to his head and multiple bruises.
After conducting numerous tests he was declared brain dead at about 2.15pm.
“There was one small consolation, in that we were told, at the hospital, that Christiaan’s end was more than likely immediate,” said Pieter.
“I wouldn’t have wanted him to suffer.
“This is very difficult; no parent should have to bury a child.”
After they were told that Christiaan was brain dead, his parents decided to donate Christiaan’s organs.
“I am an organ donor myself and Christiaan and I had discussed it and he said he would also like to donate his organs someday,” Pieter said.
“We decided that his tragic death could, perhaps, help other people by giving them life.”
Pieter described Christiaan as an enthusiastic, friendly, quiet child, an average scholar, who was very good at rugby and aspired to be an aircraft designer.
He played the position of wing for both his school and for the Germiston Simmer Rugby Club.
“He loved to make jokes and was always full of beans,” Pieter said.
“He never got into fights and was just a normal 17-year-old, full of nonsense, who enjoyed life.”
Christiaan’s siblings, brothers Pieter (12) and Dewald (10), and sister Xonia (7), are distraught at the loss of their brother.
“Last night I showed Xonia the stars and said that’s where Christiaan is now, looking down on us,” Pieter said.
He has arranged counselling for the children.
With regard to the woman who knocked Christiaan over, Pieter told the GCN that it is not going to help them being angry with her.
“Anger is not going to bring our son back; we will now let the law take its course,” he said.
“Every day when she sees a child, or drives past a school, she is going to remember the accident and she must live with this.
“That is going to be her biggest punishment.”
The family thanks Hoërskool Elsburg for holding a memorial service for Christiaan on Thursday morning, and for all the support staff and pupils at the school have given the family.
“They have gone above and beyond with their support,” Pieter said.
He also thanks Ram Couriers, the company for which he and Hester work and who have supported them all the way and are taking care of the funeral costs.
“I had managers from the company constantly at my side at the hospital and I thank them for their great support and assistance,” Pieter said.
He added that the family has also experienced an incredible outpouring of support from the community, which they really appreciate.
Christiaan’s funeral will be held at the NG Kerk Elsburg Central at 11am on Thursday (February 13).
Lieut Col Zonele Patrick Qangase, acting station commander for the Elsburg SAPS, told the GCN that a case has been registered with them and they are currently investigating the incident.
“The investigations will lead us to see whether an arrest should be made or not,” he said.
Also see: Tributes pour in for Christiaan
Scholar dies after being knocked down
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