Family devastated after motorcyclist dies in crash
"It’s so painful. His death is difficult."
A family was left devastated after 24-year-old Wayne Thomas died in an accident involving a motorcycle on the Lusthof Road in Grootvlei around 20:00 on Saturday, January 8.
Thomas, a father of two, was airlifted by Rocket HEMS to Sunshine hospital in Benoni where he succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of Sunday.
The driver of the motorbike, Shawn Williams (26), sustained serious injuries and is currently in ICU in Dr George Mukhari hospital in Ga-Rankuwa.
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The two were on their way home on the motorcycle when the accident happened just a few kilometres from where they lived.
Reports claim the motorcycle was found in a field next to the road. The cause of the accident remained unclear.
Shawn’s father, Garth, said his condition was stable, but they were informed that their son might have permanent brain damage.
“The doctors had to cut out a piece of his skull due to the swelling on his brain. His right lung fell flat and they put pins in his leg that were broken,” he said.
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He is still on ventilators and in an induced coma.
“We as parents are trying to stay strong for the sake of our children.”
Thomas’ fiancée, Jennifer Williams (23) who is also Shawn’s sister, said that they received a phone call regarding the accident around 20:33.
“We rushed out to the scene,” said Williams.
“Wayne was unconscious from the accident until he died. I think the shock was just too much for his body.”
They have two daughters, Kaylee (4) and Cloé (2).
“He was a people’s person. He made friends easily and family was the most important thing on earth for him.
“He was an incredibly good father and husband. He always made jokes about everything and was always happy. He was always friendly even if he didn’t know you. He was an adventurous man. He loved fishing,” she said.
She said that she and their two daughters missed him dearly.
“It’s so painful. His death is difficult. He is not here anymore and I need him now more than ever. How will my heart ever be the same again?
“Some days are worse than others. I pray that tomorrow will be better,” she said.
A memorial service will be held for Thomas at the Zandfontein cemetery on Wednesday, January 19.
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