The surfing fraternity in South Africa, and even around the world, has been shaken by the sudden death this week of much-loved surfer, Llewellyn Engelbrecht (11), formerly of Scottburgh.
Last year, the up-and-coming grom was part of the talented Ugu Surfriders team which made its presence felt at the 2019 Sea Harvest South African Junior Surfing Championships at Lower Point in Jeffreys Bay.
The Ugu team finished in sixth place and won the Loud and Proud Spirit trophy.
Llewellyn, the youngest member of the team then aged 10, competed in the U12 division and made it to the semi-finals, finishing fifth overall.
This rising star was making waves, catching the attention of the likes of SA Surfing authorities and international organisations.
Llewellyn Engelbrecht. PHOTO: FACEBOOK
When his family moved to Coffee Bay in the Eastern Cape recently, he joined the Buffalo City Surfriders team.
Wade Botha of Ugu Surfriders said Llewellyn never held back.
“He was this little blonde boy on the biggest wave, with the hugest heart. He had a lot of energy and never gave up, no matter how he was doing in a heat.”
A family representative released the following statement, this was taken from the Ugu Surfriders Facebook page:
I’m sure we all know the amazing young boy, surfer, friend, brother and son Llewellyn. His constant energy and innocent mischievousness makes him unique.
On Monday morning Llewellyn’s family busied themselves with a full house, electricians, water repairs and other workers wandering around the house. Around 9.30am, Llewellyn left the commotion to go up the stairs in the house.
Llewellyn suffered a terrible accident while on the stairs at his home on that same Monday. It appears from the medical report that he broke his neck severing his spinal cord leading to his instant passing. Upon not hearing from Llewellyn for some time his parents began looking for him.
Rachel found him that morning around 10am.
They immediately tried to revive him to no avail. The people working at the house at that time, including a neighbour tried to do CPR but it was unsuccessful. They rushed him to the nearest medical facility, they too were unsuccessful. Initial observation by the medical examiner suggested it was death by asphyxiation caused by severing of the spinal cord. An autopsy was carried out on Wednesday.
Llewellyn Engelbrecht. PHOTO: FACEBOOK
Obviously the family are in distress and pain right now. We ask that you would respect their privacy as they go about make arrangements in trying Covid-19 times.
Once I am able to share more information with you I will.
We will honor Llewellyn by remembering his beautiful innocent character, his struggles to perfect the shaka, his unique voice, and his unsurpassed courage and determination. His proudest moment was being selected for SA Champs in J-Bay. Those who attended SA Champs will remember the 11-year-old boy with the long, blond hair boy waving the Ugu flag. Full of laughter, full of fun always a smile for everyone.
Obviously, the most devastating news. We love you so much Llewellyn (Surf Viking)”
The grom was described as the ‘biggest little charger’. PHOTO: SOUTH SHORE SURF CLUB/FACEBOOK
South Shore Surf Club wrote that Llewellyn will always be remembered by them as the ‘biggest little charger’ and ‘most frothing grom’ who always had a smile on his face.
“It was always great to have you surf with us. You will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stephen and Racheal and their family.”
Shona Aylward is a vastly experienced journalist working as a senior reporter. Aside from her extensive community involvement and story writing, she is also involved in creative page layout, and the various media platforms. Shona began her career with Caxton at the Southlands Sun. Previous to this she worked in the marketing industry for surf magazines. Shona is a renown 'greenie' and champions environmental causes. She is also Mom to a number of dogs and cats, and the occasional uninvited snake. When she can find some spare time, it's usually to the beach that she heads.
