Cape Town – Free State rugby player Jaco Weideman, 21, reportedly died on Friday after his heart stopped several times during the second team game between Welkom Rugby Club and the Welkom Rovers on July 2.
According to Sport24, Weideman’s heart stopped after he came off the field during a club fixture between the two teams.
He was transported to the Mediclinic Welkom before being airlifted to Bloemfontein for more medical attention.
Welkom Rugby Club’s first-team coach, Stephan Pretorius said on Tuesday that Weideman had improved after his initial prognosis.
“His condition is critical but stable. However, he is also on dialysis for his kidneys and there’s a problem with his liver, heart, and brain,” the report quoted Pretorius as saying at the time.
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However, on Friday, July 8, Weideman passed away at Mediclinic, The South African reported.
Condolences have been pouring in.
“As a teacher, it is never easy to hear sad news regarding those you taught. Jaco Weideman you were a real fighter, always worked harder than most. I am sad to hear this news, but I am equally as grateful to know that you are being welcomed to grand stands of heaven. Enjoy it, until we meet again champ,” Weideman’s former teacher Sam Viljoen wrote in a Facebook post.
Picture: Facebook/ Sam Viljoen
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
