Cape Town - The actions of an alleged drunk driver have dashed the dreams of a matric pupil who wanted to join the navy, before her life was suddenly ripped away.
The distraught family of matric learner Taytim-Lee Hendricks, 18, who was killed in an alleged drunk-driving incident in Bonteheuwel on Sunday, are struggling to come to terms with her tragic death.
Hendricks’ mother, Michelle Adams, told how her daughter was on her way to visit her on Sunday when she was knocked down by a suspected drunk driver.
“She was on her way to me from Mitchells Plain. She was staying with my mother as she was a learner at Spine Road High and was making her way to me in Bonteheuwel.
We are really struggling. I just feel that this is so unfair that a drunk person would knock my child over, (throwing her) onto someone else’s roof just a week after her matric ball,’ the distraught mom said.
“I pray to God that this guy gets locked up because apparently he tried to run away from hospital. It’s just killing me slowly as a mother who has lost a child.
“She was planning on going to the navy next year. She had so many dreams ahead of her,” said Adams.
Adams described her daughter as a jolly person who was “always full of smiles, who always made everyone else smile ... she was the clown of the family”.
Hendricks was the second-eldest of five children.
She died hours after she was hit by the motorist who had allegedly been driving recklessly in Bluegum Street, Bonteheuwel.
With the impact of the accident, she hurtled through the air, landing on the roof of a residence.
Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said the incident occurred at 4.20pm and a case of culpable homicide was being investigated.
“According to reports a maroon Opel Corsa was moving in Bonteheuwel Avenue towards Bluegum Road when the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit two pedestrians, aged 18 and 32.
“The victims and driver sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals by paramedics for medical treatment.
“The 18-year-old girl died in hospital due to the injuries sustained,” said Van Wyk.
Bishop Lavis police opened case of reckless and negligent driving and culpable homicide.
Ward councillor Angus McKenzie said: “A culmination of stupid and irresponsible decisions led to the death of Hendricks. It is alleged that a young unlicensed individual had stolen his father's car and recklessly drove the vehicle under the influence of alcohol.
“In Soetdoring Street it is alleged he drove into a gate; thereafter the vehicle was heard revving and speeding down Bonteheuwel Avenue where it is believed he lost control of the vehicle knocked a male individual and then Hendricks and thereafter (drove) into two properties in Bluegum Avenue,” said Mckenzie.
Anyone with more information on the fatal accident are urged to contact the Bishop Lavis SAPS on 021 935 9803.
Cape Times