Local tattoo artist dies in motorbike accident in Secunda
He was rushed to Mediclinic Highveld where he succumbed to his injuries.
The local community, family and friends are still reeling in shock over the sudden death of talented local tattoo artist Mr Skye Raath (30).
Mr Raath’s motorbike collided with a white Mercedes at the intersection of PDP Kruger and Max Kirchhofer Street in Secunda at about 09:00 on Wednesday, January 5.
He was on his way home from town and not far from where his home is when the incident happened.
He was rushed to Mediclinic Highveld where he succumbed to his injuries.
Social media has been abuzz with messages of condolences and complete shock over the sudden and tragic death of Mr Raath.
He was known as a sincere, true and genuine person who would welcome clients into his tattoo parlour and clients leaving as friends.
Mr Raath left an artistic print on many locals as well as a client base in Gauteng.
Tattoo artists locally and from across the country have conveyed their sincere condolences to the loved ones of Mr Raath.
He shared his talents with many young tattoo artists in the making and helped them as far as he could.
But he also was a person eager to learn, going to expos, learning from other artists to perfect his skills and styles.
Mr Raath was also an ardent cue sports player and competed in numerous tournaments although his biggest competitor was himself.
Messages of condolences have been streaming in from the cue sports community as well.
Mr Raath leaves behind his parents Mr Jack and Ms Ingrid Raath, wife Xené, two children Xhaidyn (4), and Skylah (2), and his sister Zerché.
Mr Rath was born on November 14, 1991, in the Johannesburg General Hospital and relocated with his family to Secunda in 2010.
He completed his education through homeschooling and did a tattoo course.
Although not a member of any bikers’ club, Mr Raath was well known in the biker community.
He also enjoyed time spent with his father riding motorbikes and doing breakfast runs.
Mr Raath’s mother described him as being a difficult person at times, but he was a perfectionist, kind, strong and loving person who was passionate about his work and everything he did and always loved a challenge.
“Even when we thought he did his best, he always felt he could do better. He always made everyone feel special,” said his mom, Ms Ingrid Raath.
The night before the accident she could not sleep at all. Her husband had woken her up on the morning of the accident at around 08:00 but she could not wake up. She went back to sleep until 09:00.
“I felt so drunk and dizzy, I did not know what was wrong with me. And that was the time the accident happened,” said an emotional Ms Raath.
Local towing services who knew Mr Raath went to the family home and informed Ms Raath of the accident and that she needed to go to the hospital immediately.
She spent the last moments with him.
“He always put his family first. There is a piece of him in all of us,” said his wife, Ms Xené Raath.
Mr Raath had a love for oil painting, motorbikes, cue sport and chess.
The Raath family thanked all who were at the scene, nurses and doctors of Mediclinic Highveld and close friends of Mr Raath for all they had done for him. Special thanks to Mr Johan and Ms Ilse Kleingeld for the contribution towards funeral arrangements.
The family also extended thanks and appreciation for all messages received.
A tribute was paid to Mr Raath on Thursday, January 6, where bikers gathered at the Lifestyle Center in Ext 22 and then proceeded to ride through town to show their respect.
They then headed their way to the scene where the accident happened and placed a cross in remembrance of Skye.
Bikers, family, friends and neighbours placed flowers and candles in front of the Raath family home.
The funeral service for Skye will be held at Our Place Sports Bar, 18 Richter Street, Trichardt, on Saturday, January 15, at 2pm.
