Tragedy struck the Michaelhouse community over the weekend when a Grade 8 pupil, Garth Finnemore, and his parents lost their lives in a devastating car accident between Mooi River and Greytown.
Story Summary:
- A Michaelhouse Grade 8 pupil and his parents died in a car accident on Saturday.
- The pupil’s brother remains in critical condition following the crash.
- Michaelhouse has expressed condolences and is supporting its community during this time.
Grade 8 pupil dies in tragic car accident
The accident occurred on Saturday afternoon as the family was returning home after attending a Sevens rugby event at Wembley College.
Garth’s younger brother, who was also in the vehicle, was critically injured and remains in hospital under intensive care.
The accident scene, described as horrific by Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson, saw the loss of multiple lives.
“Eleven people showed no signs of life and were declared deceased on the scene,” Robertson said.
The sole survivor from one of the vehicles, Garth’s 12-year-old brother, was placed on a manual ventilator at the scene before being rushed to a specialist hospital for urgent medical care.
What Michaelhouse said about the accident
Michaelhouse, a prestigious boarding school in KwaZulu-Natal, released a statement expressing profound grief over the tragic loss.
The school’s Rector, Antony Clark, conveyed the community’s deep sadness and extended condolences to the grieving family.
“We are devastated to have to inform our Michaelhouse community that one of our E Block (Grade 8) boys, Garth Finnemore, died in a car accident this afternoon, along with his parents,” the statement read.
Clark further noted that the school’s staff and pastoral team are actively supporting the boys during this difficult time.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finnemore family,” he added.
The school has since reopened, and measures have been put in place to support students and staff as they navigate the emotional aftermath of the tragedy.
