KWAZULU-NATAL. – Daniel Hill (14) word op 30 Januarie tydens ‘n begrafnisdiens gegroet nadat hy op 17 Januarie aan griep gesterf het. Hill se pa het beide sy skole se plasings gedeel en emosionele boodskappe vir sy oorlede seun geplaas. Westville-gemeenskapspolisiëringsforum (GPF) het in ‘n sosialemediaplasing medelye teenoor Clinton Hill, die GPF-voorsitter en sy familie met die afserwe van Daniel uitgespreek.
Clinton Hill, die tienerseun se pa het op 18 Januarie ‘n plasing van Westville Boys’ High School op sy Facebook-blad gedeel, waar die skool Daniel se afsterwe bekend gemaak het. Hy het die volgende in die plasing gesê: “Oh my beautiful boy. I am so sorry this has happened to you. Know this that you have a piece of our hearts with you in heaven. You left us so suddenly and we are numb and lost for words. I walked into the kitchen this morning and wanted to call you to pack away the clean dishes like you always did. Lulu keeps looking for you. I will never get over this and will keep you alive in our home forever. We love you so much Dan. Rest easy my boy.”
Op 19 Januarie sê hy by ‘n plasing van die Deutsche Schule Durban: “We are still finding it extremely difficult to come to terms with what happened. Taken away so quickly and so young. To think I will never see my boy again absolutely breaks me. He has touched so many hearts in his 14 years of living. We are going to miss him so much and cannot even think about life without him. Oh Dan, we love you so much and I would trade places in a heartbeat. Fly with the angels my boy .”
Westville Boys’ High School het Daniel se afsterwe op die skool se amptelike Facebook-blad bekend gemaak, terwyl sportspanne eer aan Daniel betoon het: “Our Basketball, Cricket & Water Polo teams observed a moment of silence in honour of Daniel Hill, alongside our opposition schools. We would like to commend our sportsmen & coaches for the respect, unity, & professionalism shown throughout the day. Their conduct, together with that of the opposition teams, reflected the values of school sport and solidarity during a difficult time. We are proud of the way our school was represented.
Clinton Hill het die sportspanne vir die oorweldigende ondersteuning bedank.
Deutsche Schule Durban se plasing lees soos volg:
“IN LOVING MEMORY OF DANIEL HILL. Daniel Hill began his journey at our school in 2015 as a Kindergarten learner and completed his primary schooling with us in 2024 as a proud member of our Grade 7 class. He was the youngest child of Uta and Clint Hill, and a beloved younger brother to Matthew. Daniel went on to attend Westville Boys’ High School in Westville, and would have been in Grade 9 this year. Tragically, Daniel passed away suddenly on Saturday, 17 January 2026, after contracting the flu. Daniel was deeply loved by his peers, teachers, and families throughout our school community. He had a special connection with the younger learners, who were always drawn to his kindness and playful spirit. During break times, he could often be found playing tag with them, happily letting them chase after him – moments that brought great joy to many. A superb athlete, Daniel excelled in sport and was especially gifted as a swimmer. His talent, dedication, and sportsmanship were admired by all who knew him. Daniel will be remembered for his warmth, his energy, and the positive impact he had on everyone around him. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and friendship that will remain in our hearts forever.
