Country music promoter Mara van der Bergh and her assistant, Samantha Fuller, died in a road collision on September 5 while returning from a charity event. Country musician Tommy Dell was travelling in the same vehicle and is recovering in ICU after sustaining multiple fractures.

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Dell’s spokesperson, Ignaz Streicher, confirmed he is stable and able to speak.

The fatal collision occurred as the trio travelled back from Solidariteit Helpende Hand’s country fundraiser evening at Bosjol. According to Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokesperson Moeti Mmusi, the accident occurred when their sedan reportedly collided with a bakkie.

“The Honda sedan was turning onto Hermansburg Road from the Mbombela side, while the bakkie was travelling from Barberton towards Mbombela,” he explained.

Occupants of the bakkie sustained injuries and were transported to hospital.

Police investigate 2 counts of culpable homicide

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed SAPS is investigating two counts of culpable homicide and no arrests have been made yet.

Music industry mourns promoter duo

News of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the country music industry, with social media flooded with tributes to the two women. Over many years, Van der Bergh and Fuller managed the business affairs, careers, and arrangements of many of South Africa’s greatest music legends and artists.

Among others, they handled the professional affairs of country legend Lance James until his passing, as well as those of other established legends and numerous artists in the South African music industry. Their long-standing collaboration and dedication form an important part of the legacy they leave behind.

Among those paying tribute was South African singer Kurt Darren.

“Dear Mara, thank you for always being there for me in my career, always,” said Darren. “We all woke up with heavy hearts this morning. You touched so many of us, rest well.”

Streicher also shared his fond memories of working alongside Van der Bergh and Fuller. “Mara, you were my ‘Country mom’, Sammy – my ‘Country sister’ right beside me. Sammy promised me she would never leave you to walk alone, and she didn’t. Not when Lance James died, nor Sally Vaughn. I never imagined your promise would extend even unto death. Sammy, you left alongside mother Mara and will be sorely missed.”

ALSO READ: Country music fraternity mourns Mara van der Bergh after Mbombela crash

Elize Visser of Solidariteit Helpende Hand said the organisation remains in shock over the incident, having worked with the team for the event.

“We are saddened by their death and we send a message of condolences to the families and wish a speedy recovery to Dell. We hope he will get better soon,” she said.

Streicher, speaking on behalf of the Van der Bergh, Fuller and Dell families, said they thanked their colleagues, the public, and the music industry for their loyal support and condolences.

“Dell also thanks all South Africans for their prayers, messages of support, and condolences from his hospital bed,” he said in a statement.

Van der Bergh’s memorial service will take place at the NG Waterval church in Randburg, Gauteng, on Friday, September 18, at 11:00.