Condolences are pouring in on Glenwood High School’s Facebook page following the tragic passing of a young learner, who was also a promising sports star. The school issued a heartfelt statement confirming the devastating news of his untimely death during a football match on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the statement, the learner collapsed during a warm-up exercise. Despite the swift intervention of staff and paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Sipho Hlomuka, extended his deepest condolences to the learner’s family, friends, and the entire school community.
“The young learner was participating in a warm-up game when he requested to be substituted and stepped aside to catch his breath. Tragically, he collapsed, and despite the tireless efforts of paramedics to resuscitate him, he was declared deceased at the scene,” said department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi.
Upon receiving the devastating news, the Head of Department, Nkosinathi Ngcobo, immediately rushed to the scene alongside the learner’s family, educators, and other departmental officials to provide support.
“We also extend our sincere gratitude to the emergency response teams for their swift and dedicated intervention. As the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, we acknowledge the profound grief felt by all who knew him. We will continue to work closely with Glenwood High School to ensure that psychological and emotional support is available for learners, educators, and the bereaved family. We ask the community to hold the family in their thoughts and prayers. May his young soul rest in eternal peace,” Mahlambi added.
Glenwood High School has confirmed that the necessary counselling for its learners and staff will be provided with the aid of the Department of Education.
ALS Paramedics spokesperson, Garrith Jamieson, also confirmed attending to the incident but could not comment further.
Fellow schools across KwaZulu-Natal have shared messages of sympathy and support:
Hillcrest High School
”The Hillcrest High School community would like to extend our deepest condolences to the learner’s family, friends, staff, and the Glenwood High School community. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
St Henry’s Marist College ”On behalf of the St Henry’s Marist College family, our thoughts and prayers are with this young man’s family, friends, and the Glenwood community during this painful time.”
Maritzburg College ”The Maritzburg College community is deeply saddened by this tragic loss. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the learner’s family and to the entire Glenwood community. You are in our thoughts.”
Glenashley Preparatory School ”Glenashley Preparatory School extends our deepest sympathy to the learner’s family, friends, and the Glenwood community. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers, and we wish you strength during this heartbreaking time. Our blessings for his eternal peace.”
Ashton International College Ballito ”On behalf of the Ashton Ballito community, we extend our deepest condolences to this young man’s family, friends, and the entire Glenwood community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this incredibly difficult time. May he rest in peace.”
George Campbell School of Technology ”To the boy’s family and Glenwood High School community, we would like to extend our deepest condolences on this tragic loss. Our hearts go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. We were saddened to hear about the sudden passing, and our thoughts are with you as you navigate this unbearable loss. May the cherished memories of the boy bring you comfort and peace in the days ahead. We also extend our condolences to the Glenwood High School community, who have lost a bright and promising young life. Please know that you are not alone in your grief. We stand with you in solidarity and support.”
Thomas More College ”On behalf of Thomas More College, we were deeply saddened to hear this heartbreaking news. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the learner’s family and the entire Glenwood community. Please know that you are all in our thoughts during this difficult time.”
Parents and members of the community also showed their support:
Andrew Shedlock, DHS Foundation Trust and Old Boys of DHS
”I would like to extend my deepest condolences to this young man’s family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as well as the entire Glenwood High School community. May his soul rest in peace.”
A DHS parent ”Condolences to the young boy’s family. May God comfort you during this difficult time.”
