Hoërskool Centurion is mourning the loss of two schoolboy rugby stars and best friends, Dawid van Niekerk and Stefan Pieterse...
Hoërskool Centurion in Pretoria is mourning the death of two rugby-playing past pupils, Dawid van Niekerk and Stefan Pieterse, who died in a car crash over the weekend.
The tragic news comes days after Tiaan van Heerden, an alumnus of Hoërskool Kirkwood and Anka van Schalkwyk, of Hoërskool Despatch, died in similar circumstances.
A month ago, the bodies of St Stithian teens Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and her partner, Ethan Coetzee, were found in what is believed to be a murder suicide.
In a tribute posted on their Facebook account, Hoërskool Centurion mourned the deaths of two past pupils, Dawid van Niekerk and Stefan Pieterse.
The former schoolboy rugby stars, who were also best friends, died last Friday in a car crash near Potchefstroom.
The duo matriculated in 2023.
Their alma mater shares: “It is with great sadness that Centurion High School bids farewell to two former Woeries, Dawid van Niekerk and Stefan Pieterse, matriculants of 2023.”
“Our deepest condolences go out to their families, relatives, friends and all those who loved them.
“May you be surrounded by love and support in this extremely difficult time, and may the precious memories of David and Stefan bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.”
“We carry everyone affected by this loss in our thoughts and prayers.”
The school’s rugby club, Woerie Rugby, also shared a touching tribute.
On Facebook, past pupils of Hoërskool Centurion were also remembered by their loved ones.
Dawid van Niekerk, an avid rugby player, who had turned 21 and married his bride Monique earlier this year, was remembered as a loving son and husband.
Family friend Deon Roux shared: “I had the special privilege of being part of their wedding day. Just three days later the newlyweds came to visit Vanessa and I in Plettenberg Bay. Those precious memories make this tragic news so much more personal and deeply sad to us.”
“There are few words that can really bring comfort when a young life ends so unexpectedly and far too early. We will miss you, David. Your life was short, but your footprints will stay long in the hearts of those who loved you”.
Another, Daleen Ras Pienaar, shared that both Dawid and Stefan Pieterse had a close group of friends who had remained in each other’s lives even after high school”
“Our hearts are broken. The Dam Squad 6, buddies from school days. Now only four are left. You did everything together, supporting each other through thick and thin…Stefan and Dawid, you leave an incredible void. RIP”, read the tribute.
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