Tributes fly in after paragliding death

HEARTFELT tributes are pouring in for IT businessman Mark Hendra‚ who died in a paragliding accident on Sunday afternoon in Centurion‚ outside Pretoria.

Among the condolences was a quote from artist Leonardo da Vinci, posted yesterday by the IT company he had worked for‚ TNW Data & Electrical.

“For once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards‚ for there you have been and there you will long to return,” it said.

His wife, Simone, reminisced about all the moments they had shared together. “I love you Markie, forever xxx”, she wrote.

Colleague Schalk Bothma shared the news on the company’s Facebook page‚ saying it was with complete sadness and utter disbelief that they had to say farewell to Hendra, 36.

“Mark was a beloved son‚ a loved brother‚ loving uncle and a brother-in-law,” he posted.

“In life and business‚ he was a brightly burning star and did everything to the fullest.

“He took up paragliding and like everything he did‚ did it to the fullest‚ spending hours in the air and sending pictures of his adventures for all to see. He truly loved it,” the post says.

“Fly on home my brother‚ worry no more‚ we’ll see you.”

ER24 spokesman Werner Vermaak said the accident happened shortly after 5pm and Hendra was declared dead on the scene.