Tulbagh pupil dies suddenly after collapsing while playing touch rugby

THE TULBAGH community is in mourning after avid rugby player and Grade 11 pupil at Waveren High School, Jayden Daniels, died following a game of touch rugby.

Tributes have poured in for Daniels, aged 19, who died on Tuesday afternoon, when he succumbed to an injury after playing touch rugby during an interval break at school.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said an inquest has been registered for investigation.

“We can confirm that Tulbagh SAPS responded to a complaint, as received from Tulbagh High School, on Tuesday, at about 1pm,” he said.

“Police officers drove to the local hospital, where they found the victim, a 19-year-old male, who was declared deceased upon arrival by the medical personnel.

“A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death,” said Twigg.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said they were alerted about the incident.

“It is with sadness that I can confirm that a Grade 11 pupil passed away after collapsing, allegedly during a game of touch rugby during the interval period at school.

“The WCED sends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and the school community, who are devastated by this very sudden and tragic loss,” said Hammond.

Hammond said the school had immediately contacted emergency services when the incident occurred, and Daniels was rushed to the local clinic, where he later passed away.

“The causes of the death are yet unknown. The outcome of the autopsy is to be confirmed. The WCED has arranged for counselling services to be made available to staff and pupils,” said Hammond.

The grief-stricken community, along with Daniels’s classmates, shared messages of shock and condolences on social media.

Tulbagh Gym wrote: “We are saddened to hear of the loss of one of our Tulbagh Gym family. Let the memories provide comfort in the journey through this loss. RIP Jayden Daniels. Tulbagh Gym team send our heartfelt condolences.”