Jannie du Plessis
South African rugby star mourns his one year old son
The one-year-old son of South African rugby player Jannie du Plessis reportedly drowned in the family pool.
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It’s a nightmare that no parent can imagine: The one-year-old son of South African rugby player Jannie du Plessis is said to have drowned on the family’s farm.
Jannie du Plessis, 39, and his wife Ronel mourn their son. The one-year-old is said to have died tragically on November 16, 2021. The child apparently drowned in the pool of their farm near the South African town of Bethlehem – on the day of his father Jannie’s 39th birthday.
Jannie du Plessis: Team boss confirms sad news
The sad news has now been confirmed by the former South African international Rudolf Straeuli, 58, who is currently managing director of the club of du Plessis, the Lions: “We as a Lions family are not doing well,” he told Sport24, and continued, “I can confirm that this tragedy took place. We are all devastated.”
The circumstances of the tragedy are unclear
Toks van der Linde, 51, a former teammate of Jannie’s with the Springboks, was one of the first to make the drama public on Twitter. He shared a friend’s photo showing him with his wife and deceased boy in his arms. Van der Linde wrote: “Please pray for Jannie du Plessis and his family. His one-year-old son drowned last night and my heart is broken.”
Mourning the popular “Lindenstrasse” actor
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The circumstances that led to the tragedy have apparently not yet been fully clarified. The family, which includes two other children, daughters Rosalie and Helé, has withdrawn in deep sadness. “As I’m sure anyone can understand, Jannie and his family must be left alone now,” said Lions chief Straeuli. “We offer him our full support and ask everyone to be with them in thoughts and prayers.”
Sources used: news24.com, twitter.com