Swanepoel drowned in the Vaal River.

Swanepoel was one of North-West University (NWU)’s most promising young rugby players, hung out with friends along the river on Monday, after which some of the young men apparently went swimming in the river. It is not yet clear what exactly went wrong and led to Webster’s drowning.

Piet and Marina van Zyl shared the sad message on their Facebook:
It is with great sadness that we inform you that Webs drowned today (December 31). Our hearts are broken – but we are grateful for the years we have been able to share with him. There was so much we learned from you… will cherish it forever! Webbie kid, we’ll miss you! You were square in our hearts…