THE family of avid cyclist Wessel van Dyk will bid farewell to him this weekend following his death in a crash on Durban’s beachfront.

Van Dyk, a father, friend and keen cyclist, was struck by a vehicle while cycling on a popular 5km beachfront training route on July 25. He was reportedly hit head-on by a vehicle allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road.

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He was rushed to hospital but died from his injuries at about 03:00 the following day.

His death sent shockwaves through Durban’s cycling community, with cyclists gathering at Suncoast Casino for a memorial ride the following Saturday.

Van Dyk’s daughters, Leilah, 17, and Anke, 14, remembered him as a devoted Christian whose faith was central to his life.

“My dad was absolutely a man of God. He always told everyone about Jesus and was never ashamed of sharing the gospel,” said Leilah.

“He was so gentle and had such a contagious smile. He had so much joy and a heart full of love. He was a great dad to me and my sister. He was very down to earth and preferred the simple pleasures of life.”

Cycling was also a major part of Van Dyk’s life. He took part in endurance events, including the Munga and Maluti, and regularly rode long distances.

“He loved cycling. He was so committed to it and always wanted to be better than the previous day,” said Leilah.

“When my dad wanted to think about something, process something that was hard, or just needed to talk to God, he would go cycling. It was his medicine.”

Van Dyk moved to uMdloti in December 2025, fulfilling his dream of living closer to the sea. While his sudden death has left his family devastated, Leilah said their faith has helped them through their grief.

“It’s been different. Sometimes it hits you and you remember that you will never see him again. But we have to hold on to the memories he wanted us to remember. My dad’s passing hasn’t been easy on us, but we know he is in Heaven and that was his goal.”

She said the family has also chosen to forgive the man allegedly responsible for the crash.

“God is a gracious God and justice will prevail,” she said.

Van Dyk’s funeral will take place on Saturday, August 8, at Northlands Primary School in Durban North.

The driver involved in the crash, believed to be a prison warden, is due to appear in the Durban Magistrate’s Court again on August 11 for a bail application.

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