Condolences pour in for Jannie du Plessis after his son’s death
The rugby community has expressed their shock and heartfelt condolences to Jannie du Plessis and his wife Ronel.
By: Carli Koch
The family of former Springbok Jannie du Plessis is mourning the loss of his one-year-old toddler, Jan Nathaniël, who drowned yesterday, November 16.
The boy was baptised on Sunday while Du Plessis celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday.
Very little detail has been released.
CEO of Lions Rugby Union Pieter Burger , confirmed the incident and said the Lions family are stunned by the news.
“Our hearts go out to the family and we ask the public to give the family space during this time,” Burger said.
Meanwhile the rugby community has expressed their shock and heartfelt condolences to Jannie and his wife, Ronel.
Rugby commentator and a dear friend of Du Plessis, Victor Matfield, said that Du Plessis lives for his family.
“I was shocked by the news. We as a rugby community are there for Du Plessis and his family. We pray for him and will keep the family in our thoughts. Losing a child is unthinkable,” Matfield said.
Toks van der Linde, another former Springbok, said that his heart is broken.
“Please pray for Jannie and his family.”
Please pray for jannie du Plessis and his family his son of 1 year old drown last night my hart is broken broken broken @SuperSportTV @kykNETtv #So so sad pic.twitter.com/pFwA2cSs2R
— Toks van der Linde (@toksvdl) November 17, 2021
Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, said that the Du Plessis family are in their thoughts and prayers in this very difficult time.
“On behalf of the South African rugby family, our most sincere condolences go to Jannie, Ronel, their three children and family on this very sad day,” he said.
Well-known sports writer, André Bester, said that Du Plessis is an amazing father.
“I was devastated to hear about the loss of his son. It just once again shows you how precious life is and how a life can be taken away from you in a blink of an eye,” Bester said.
Du Plessis, who is also a qualified medical doctor, is on the verge of becoming the oldest player to ever play for the Transvaal or the Lions.
He has played 70 test matches for the Boks and his 149 games in SuperRugby include 119 for the Sharks, 26 for the Cheetahs and five for the Lions.
In a statement to Krugersdorp News, Captain Raymond Sebonyane from the Krugersdorp Police said police were called out to the scene of a drowning at about 19:00 on Tuesday, November 16.
He said a baby boy had drowned after falling into the swimming pool at a house in Kenmare, and they have opened an inquest docket. An investigation is underway.
“The police appeal to parents and/ or guardians of younger children to be more careful when children play close to any hazard. Those with swimming pools should fence them off or cover them with safety nets when not being used.”
Deeply saddened by the death of Jannie du Plessis' child. Tragic. My thoughts go out to him and his family … Sterkte!
— Tank Lanning (@TankLanning) November 17, 2021
On behalf of all at the UIM and its supporters and members, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jannie Du Plessis and his family, on the sad loss of their son.
We have them in our prayers and no doubt our thoughts in this time.
NEIL DE BEER @UIMsouthafrica
— Neil De Beer (@DeNedebe1) November 17, 2021
@toksvdl "Please pray for Jannie du Plessis and his family. His son of 1 year old drown last night my hart is broken broken broken" – You are in our prayers. @SuperSportTV @kykNETtv So so sad. Please God don't let go of us, don't let us fall, heal us. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/p8c7pv6TlW
— JG (Johan) van Zyl ✍✝️ (@JGvanZyl_ZA) November 17, 2021
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