Ballito community mourns loss of Palm Lakes’ dads in accident aftermath

A devastating accident outside Ballito claimed the lives of three people on Saturday.

Palm Lakes residents Jonathan “Jonni” Robert Wills (37) and Sean Brian Coomer (40) were en route to a fishing competition early on Saturday morning when the accident occurred on the N2 just south of Ballito.

The vehicle they were in collided with another car carrying three people, whose identities are not known to the Courier.

The second car burst into flames after the collision, killing a passenger in the blaze. The driver and a second passenger escaped with moderate injuries.

Wills died at the scene of the accident and Coomer was rushed to Victoria Hospital, but died shortly afterwards.

The cause of the accident is under police investigation.

Wills leaves behind his wife Chanty and two children Kassia (9) and Jed (6).

Speaking on behalf of the family, his brother Grant said Jonni’s death had left a massive void in their family.

“Jonni had a childlike nature, and he was a beautiful kid at heart. He connected with any and all people, generous with his time, his knowledge and his friendship.

“Jonni didn’t see colour or class, he only saw humans of value. Uplifting car guards, teaching and connecting with children, being real and accepting anyone with no judgement or criticism. The only criticism he ever made was of our mom’s cooking.”

“Jonni was fun to the max, revving the kids as they were going to bed or before family meals. Playing soccer, joking around, going fishing; what an uncle. He loved and ‘irritated’ his wife Chanty, she was his everything.

Second to her were his kids whom he would spend hours with. He was a great dad.

“We will miss his infectious laugh and his beautiful smile. Life will never be the same without him. He really did Carpe Diem.”

Grant thanked the community for rallying around the family.

“Our friends, family, his fishing community and the local churches have been phenomenal.”

Ryan Coomer, on behalf of Coomer’s widow May, sent the following tribute:
“It is with deep sadness the Coomer family mourns the loss of Sean Brian Coomer, age 40.

“Sean was first and foremost a family man, utterly devoted to his wife, May and his two children, Luke and Rachel.

“His legacy is one of uplifting and empowering the people around him, an inspirational leader in both his personal and professional life.

“He loved whole-heartedly and the gravity of his loss is far-reaching and difficult to comprehend.

“An upright man who has left the world a better place than what he found it.

“A celebration of Sean’s life will be held on 10 November by his family and close friends.”

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