The family of a Newlands East trainee pilot who died in a horrific accident on 2 December said that they are still trying to come to terms with his untimely passing.
Trainee pilot from the Focus Air Flight School, Kieran Smith, 27, was training for his commercial licence before the tragic accident that claimed his life. His father, Colin, said that he had just dropped off his friend in Mount Edgecombe when the accident happened.
“The hardest part about my son’s death is the manner in which we found out. The accident happened at 8am and we got the news at about 6pm. When we realised that something was not right as he did not come home, we phoned everyone who may know of his whereabouts, and at about 6pm we got the news. That is why his death is as heavy as it is,” said Smith.
Netcare911 spokesperson, Shawn Herbst, said reports from the scene indicate that a car and bakkie were involved in a head-on collision, resulting in the car bursting into flames, spreading to the second vehicle. “Medics assessed the scene and found two patients. One occupant from the car had sadly been burned beyond recognition. The second patient from the bakkie had sustained moderate injuries and was treated on scene by advanced life support paramedics,” said Herbst.
The deceased’s uncle, Mark Pretorius, described Kieran as a joyous and bubbly person who was loved by the community. “He was one of the most respectable people one could be around. He never fought with anyone. He was always out there to give assistance to anyone who needed favours. His future plan was to become a pilot one day,” he said.
His brother, Darian, said Kieran was a big Liverpool fan and loved “flying” from the time he was young. “He would call us outside to look at aeroplanes flying in the sky and he would describe that specific aeroplane to us. He was focused and committed to his ambition of being a pilot. He used to watch football games with my father, their relationship was beyond father and son. He has left a big void in the family and we will forever miss him,” said Smith.
Community activist, Joanne Ryan, said that Kieran was a good young man who made
his family and the community proud. “He was our very own pilot. We were proud of
him. On behalf of the community of Newlands East, sympathies to the Smith family and friends of Kieran. He will be sorely missed. He was a true gentleman that always helped people in his surroundings. He helped wherever he could. Be it transporting pensioners to
the clinic, or to collect pension. He was Newlands East’s first pilot,” said Ryan.
Kieran’s father thanked residents for their support to the family during their time of mourning. Kieran will be laid to rest on 11 December at the Holy Family Parish Catholic Church.
