Condolences messages have been pouring in to the family of a Hillcrest man whose body was recovered below a cliff at Winston Park after he had been reported missing.
Twenty-eight-year-old Jamie Koen’s body was recovered on Saturday, 8 January, by Rescuetech volunteers after a week-long search by residents and the Durban Metro Search and Rescue Members. Authorities confirmed on Monday that the partially decomposed body recovered below the cliffs was that of Koen. Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Captain Linzi Smith, said Koen had been missing since 2 January, after he was last seen with his friends at Jan Smuts View Site in Winston Park on the same day, at around 11am. Capt Smith said a search for Koen was initiated by members of the community, Metro Search and Rescue and relatives last week, however, it was unsuccessful. “On Saturday, 8 January, another search was conducted by volunteers of Rescuetech who made the discovery of the body below the cliffs, clothed in clothes that fit the description that was given in Koen’s missing person report,” said Capt Smith.
On Sunday, 10 January, Capt Smith sent out a statement on the discovery of the body, however, could not yet confirm that it was Koen, as the police were still awaiting identification of the body by members of the family, a DNA test and an autopsy. Capt Smith said an inquest had been opened with the Hillcrest SAPS and investigations were continuing. The Westville Weekly Gazette contacted the family spokesperson, Deborah Snyman, who said parents of the deceased were not in a state to comment on their son’s death after the father had to identify the body himself. “They are devastated by the facts that their son was missing for the entire week and that tests needed to be done to positively identify him; they are heartbroken,” said Snyman. She added that the deceased had no children and was a happy young man with lots of childhood friends from school and his siblings who are all devastated. “Mom and dad were onsite every day, praying for their son. We got excellent support from Metro search and Rescue, Winston Park Guardians SACCW, friends and community who assisted with land searches, drones, an SAPS helicopter and the K9 Unit. The family would like to thank the residents who supplied water, juice and snacks to rescue teams and sincere thanks to everyone else who assisted,” said Snyman.
Westville Boys’ High School (WBHS) shared a statement on Koen’s death which read: “As a school and community, we express our devastation and heartfelt condolences to Robbie, Teresa, Tyron and Michelle on the tragic loss of Jamie. He was a talented sportsman who was respected and loved by his peers. He made a valuable contribution as a high calibre 1st XI cricket player, 2nd XI football player and fourth team rugby player who displayed not only talent, but also courage and self-belief.” His Grade 8 educator, Robbie Young, said: “Jamie was the leader and mentor of my Grade 8 class. The boys loved him. Jamie connected with each boy and protected them like he was their older brother. He always had a joke, always reduced their fears and always lifted their spirits. He set those boys up to go forward with confidence. At 28, Jamie was still that same kind and uplifting young man. He recently told me, he believed that his purpose was to bring joy to people, inspire and encourage them. Jamie was a pure-hearted guy who simply loved people.”
Sharmin Naidoo of Westville Boys’ High said: “Jamie’s passing comes as a shock to our community and he will forever hold a place in our hearts. He was a kindhearted and hardworking young man at Westville Boys’ High. Our fondest memories of him were his first team cricket matches on Bowdens Field. “Jamie was a part of a strong cricket culture at the school and helped the team achieve great heights. He was a sportsman that showed grit when his team needed him the most and never shirked away from hard work. Jamie valued his relationships with both his peers and his teachers at WBHS and was always the one to bring light to a difficult situation. Jamie, we will miss you dearly, and may your soul rest in peace.” Chester Comins said: “From Grade 8 to 12, I shared the field with Jamie and always noted how patient and gritty he was. A left-handed top order batsman who often got us out of early trouble by valuing his wicket. He was a man of good character on and off the field and always greeting with his big mischievous smile. My sincere condolences to his parents, Robbie and Teresa, who would attend the Saturday matches, cheering on Jamie and enjoying exciting schoolboy cricket, as well as his sister and brother, Tyron. Keep batting.” The school management said the Koen family will forever have a special place in their hearts and at WBHS. “We grieve with you while we pray for comfort and strength for you all. Jamie will be missed, but never forgotten by all those whose lives he touched. Incept Ne Desistam,” concluded the statement from the school.
