Nothing other than ‘freak accident’ can be used to describe the death of one of Komatipoort’s brightest and most beloved young men.

Dewald Prinsloo (18), a learner of Komatipoort Akademie, went outside his family home to ready their generator for the switchover to load-shedding on Sunday evening, April 2 at about 21:00, when he was accidentally electrocuted. Despite both paramedics and a doctor on the scene performing CPR, he was certified dead after 23:00 that night.

From the messages of condolences and fond memories shared since his passing, there is no doubt as to the larger-than-life role he had played, not only in his family’s lives, but also in the community as a whole.

Gathered around a table on Tuesday, his family, the O’Reillys on his mother’s side and the Prinsloos on his father’s, talked and reminisced about their son, brother, grandson, nephew and best friend.

He was “big” in every aspect of being. A gentle giant, a heart of gold, a personality to rival any other and a passion for everything he did and everyone he loved.

His family agreed that he had made a success of whatever he put his mind to, with his competitive nature playing no small role in this. The O’Reilly blood gets the credit for this particular characteristic. Whether it was fishing, KTM motocross racing, hunting or rugby, only the best would do.

His father, Thinus, remembers how his son would tease him whenever a hunting trip went more in the younger Prinsloo’s favour. Not that he minded, though. “He was my best friend – not my son, my best friend,” said Thinus.

For his sister, Amber, he was a pillar of strength. On that, the whole table agreed. She told of his ability to have the answers ready whenever she needed them in a difficult situation, but also of the fun they had.

“We could always have a party together. Even if it was only in his room, we could have one big sokkie, just the two of us, with his disco lights and amazing music.”

He was certainly not without his mischievous streak. Dewald and his best friend, Philip van der Walt, were always first in line when it came to any shenanigans; but everyone loved him for it.

He got a particular amount of joy out of giving his mother, Monnique, grey hair and pulling her leg whenever he got the opportunity. He did this through anything from dragging his feet to not taking a glass back to the kitchen.

Between them, the endless memories of Dewald painted the picture of a life fully lived, even if just for 18 years.

The family thanked everyone who had shared their condolences and gave their support during this difficult time.

Dewald’s celebration of life will take place at the United Church of Christ the King in Komatipoort, on April 11 at 10:00.