Community grieves teen’s death in ICU after car rolls in Salt Rock

The North Coast community is still reeling from the tragic accident that claimed the life of a Salt Rock teenager and left two others seriously injured on Saturday, October 23.

Tyde Duncan (19) died in ICU on Wednesday, October 26, due to the severity of his injuries.

His friends Rossouw Kruger (19) and Rochelle Groenewald (19) have since been released from hospital. The two others in the car did not need to be hospitalised.

Rossouw’s mother Michelle said her son’s recovery had been nothing short of miraculous.

“Both boys were thrown from the vehicle. Rossouw suffered internal injuries and had to be sedated for several days.”

Rochelle was also admitted to ICU for bleeding and swelling on her brain, among other injuries.

Tyde is survived by his parents Wayne and Jennifer, and his siblings Joel (17) and Cassidy (15).

Wayne said the family have been carried by the prayers and overwhelming support of their church, FreedomHouse, and the wider community who knew and loved their son.

“People across the world were praying for Tyde to recover and have continued praying for us now that he has gone to be with Jesus.

“We could never have survived this without their love and support,” said Wayne.

Spontaneous fundraisers and shows of support came from all quarters without being asked for by the Duncan family.

This included raffles, a fun run and cycle with Glide and Ride at Sugar Rush Park, and the cricket teams at both Curro Salt Rock and Umhlali Prep playing in Tyde’s honour on Saturday.

A temporary memorial was erected at the site of the accident on the corner of Ocean Drive and Knox Road in Salt Rock, where friends and family gathered on the evening of his death to pray.

Wayne said they loved and forgave the driver of the car, who was a close friend of Tyde’s.

Jennifer said her son was a hard working, diligent young man, who had a fantastic sense of humour and loved sport and adventure.

“He loved my cooking, bodyboarding, gaming and shoring (body surfing in extreme surf). We know he is in a better place and we are holding onto God for all we are worth,” she said.

Growing up, Tyde’s many achievements included being named headboy at Egerton Primary and Sportsman of the Year at Destiny Academy. He attended Umhlali Prep before the family moved for a few years and later completed his schooling career at Curro Salt Rock.

Wayne said Tyde had worked as a cycling coach for Glide and Ride before recently joining him in the family business.

“I am incredibly thankful for the time we had working closely together,” he said.

The celebration of Tyde’s life will be held at FreedomHouse church in Umhlali on Wednesday, November 2 at 3pm.

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