Cape Town – Eastridge community, family and friends reportedly described Reza Yon, who died while saving three teenagers, as a “hero” who had “a great love” for children and a “helpful man”.
Yon, 48, drowned on Sunday, September 25 at Mnandi Beach after saving three teenage boys.
His three friends, Ricky Kordom, Maruwaan Watson and Muneeb Griffete, who were with him on the day he died, described his actions on the day as a “selfless act”, which, unfortunately, cost him his life, reported People’s Post.
Watson said Yon died a hero although it was painful to see him disappear under the water.
“It was not nice to see how he saved the three teenage boys and disappeared under the water. We shouted for help, but there were no lifeguards and the other people that were on the beach did not pay attention to our plea. Reza just jumped into the water without thinking about his safety or looking back to see who was going to help and to me, he died as a hero,” the report quoted Watson.
Yon was buried on Tuesday 27 September where Ward councillor, Washiela Harris shared the community’s sentiments on his contribution in the community, the report said.
“Everyone talked positively of Reza. He was always willing to assist where he can and had a great love for children. The residents must please wait until the City of Cape Town gives the go-ahead regarding the beaches and swimming pools,” Harris said.
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His mother Mariam Essop, 69, found comfort in knowing that his “blue-eyed prince” as she referred to him, died saving lives, reported YOU.
“I find comfort in the fact that Reza saved the lives of not just one, but three children. He’s a hero,” the report quoted Essop as saying.
According to a statement by the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), Yon had launched into the water to go to their aid, armed with a body board.
He reached the three teenagers in the water, providing them with the body board to use as flotation before he got into difficulty.
“Without doubt the flotation of the body board contributed to saving the three teenagers lives,” said the statement.
The NSRI rescue craft crew spotted Yon in the mid-break surf zone, and recovered him onto the sea rescue craft. He was found to be lifeless.
“Paramedics continued with CPR on the 48-year-old local man but sadly, after all efforts to resuscitate the man were exhausted, he was declared deceased,” the statement read.
The Police have since opened an inquest docket.
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Picture: Facebook / Reza Yon
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
