An eight-year-old boy has died in South Africa after a rugby scrummaging machine fell on him. Granville van der Horst was playing with friends on July 30 when the heavy training equipment toppled over and landed on him.
Freak accident at school
Granville, a Grade 2 learner at Esselenpark Primary School in Worcester, was affectionately known as “Peanut”. The school described the event as a freak accident and paid tribute on Facebook, saying his passing left a “profound void” among his loved ones and the school community.
“It is with deep sadness that the Esselenpark Primary School community acknowledges the tragic passing of one of our beloved learners and friends, Granville ‘Peanut’ van der Horst, who died in a freak accident on Thursday afternoon,” read the post. “The unexpected loss of a young life deeply affects our entire school community.”
Condolences and support
The Western Cape Education Department extended condolences to the family and confirmed that psychosocial support will be offered to both the family and the school. The executive mayor of Breede Valley Municipality, Antoinette Steyn, also paid tribute on Facebook, saying: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, classmates, and teachers of young Granville ‘Peanut’ van der Horst, whose life was tragically cut short in a devastating accident that occurred yesterday.”
“The passing of an eight-year-old child is a heartbreaking loss that has deeply affected not only his loved ones but the entire Worcester community. No parent or family should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child in such tragic circumstances.”
Investigation underway
The South African Police Service have opened an inquest to investigate the circumstances of van der Horst’s death. Steyn acknowledged the investigation, saying: “We also acknowledge that the relevant authorities have opened an inquest into the incident. We respect the ongoing investigation and trust that it will establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic accident.”
Granville will be remembered as a “cheerful, energetic and kind-hearted young boy whose smile brought joy to those around him,” according to Steyn.
