Tributes pour in for Hoedspruit’s Troy Matthysen
A son, a big brother and a young man a whole community rooted for: Hoedspruit is remembering a 19-year-old who met a rare tumour with courage.
HOEDSPRUIT – The Hoedspruit community is mourning the loss of 19-year-old Troy Matthysen, who died on Monday, October 26, after a long battle with a rare and aggressive tumour.
Tributes and messages of condolence have poured in from residents, many of whom followed Troy’s journey over the years and remember a young man whose courage left a lasting impression.
Troy was diagnosed with Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma in 2021 and went on to endure years of medical treatment, surgeries and hospital stays. Despite the difficult road he travelled, his determination became a source of inspiration to those who came to know his story.
Residents took to social media to offer their condolences and words of comfort to his father, Jeff Matthysen, his younger brother, Eli, and the rest of the family.
Many had followed Troy’s story through regular updates from Jeff, who openly documented the family’s struggles, hopes and difficult moments. Through these updates, the community came to know Troy not only as a young man battling a serious illness, but also as a beloved son and brother. Jeff remained at his side throughout, advocating for his care and doing everything possible to give his son a fighting chance.
Community support
Local businesses, organisations and residents contributed to fundraising initiatives and offered prayers and encouragement during some of the family’s darkest days. The Stand by Troy campaign became a reflection of a community determined to make sure the Matthysen family did not face their challenges alone.
For many in Hoedspruit, Troy’s passing is more than the loss of a young man whose battle they had followed. It is the loss of someone whose story reminded them of the importance of kindness, compassion and standing together when it matters most.
The Herald extends its heartfelt condolences to Jeff, Eli, the entire Matthysen family, friends and everyone mourning his passing.
Read more about Troy’s journey:
- Plea for help to save Troy’s life
- Troy’s surgery is a success
- Troy’s health still at risk
- Troy out of danger
- Bleeding causes major setback in Troy’s health
- Hoedspruit teen Troy faces new health scare
- Hoedspruit teen’s family shares heartbreaking update
- Hoedspruit family appeals for help as Troy fights on
