The South African rugby community mourned another tragic loss of a former Springbok on Saturday morning.
Pedrie Wannenburg, who played 20 Tests but unluckily missed out twice on going to the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Texas as a high-speed police chase ended in tragic circumstances.
Willem Strauss, president of Wannenburg's former union the Bulls, along with the union confirmed the news.
Former Junior Springbok coach Loffie Eloff, a close confidante of the tough flanker, also expressed his shock.
"I am shattered.. have no words. Just heard that my friend Pedrie Wannenburg passed away in a car accident. His family was in the car with him," said Eloff in a post on social media.
"Devastating news RIP wonderful man."
According to local news station KHOU-11, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a deputy had attempted to pull over a 16-year-old suspect, only for the car to speed away and lead to a chase.
The suspect eventually crashed into the back of Wannenburg's car near an intersection.
Gonzalez further stated that the 41-year-old - along with his son Francois - was flown to hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
His wife Evette and daughter Isabelle escaped serious injury.
Wannenburg, who holds the unique distinction of having played 99 consecutive matches for the Bulls between 2002 and 2010, had settled in the USA in 2016, when he became one of the first high-profile South Africans to play on the country's professional circuit when he turned out for the Denver Stampede.
His family then relocated to Austin, where he worked in refrigeration and coached at local club West Houston Lions.
Last edited by UlsterNo9 on Sat Apr 23, 2022 7:55 am, edited 3 times in total.
BRING OUR BOYS HOME #BOBH
THROWN UNDER THE BUS AND EXILED 14/04/18
Nooo. What a nightmare. I never knew him personally but I loved watching the man play. A fantastic singing by Ulster.
RIP big man. My thoughts are with your family.
Just stunned. Came here as a last minute replacement for Xavier Rush IIRC. Once he got properly going he was a bedrock of the ulster backrow. He was a great player.
Truly dreadful news. He was a very good player, one of our best overseas signings. More importantly, he was a lovely guy - put some off-field issues at the Bulls behind him and settled well into Ulster on and off the pitch. Thoughts and prayers with his family.
Absolutely dreadful news, was only thinking last night we could have done with him.
Brilliant player seemed to Really enjoy his time at UR, I hope his family recover from their injuries -simply awful.
Shocking tragic news!! A great guy on and off the pitch. He saved our blushes in the European semi final against Edinburgh in 2012 - he wanted to stay at Ulster but fell foul of D4’s rulings. However all of that pales in this human tragedy - thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP big man!
That's tragic news. Very fond memories of Pedrie. He'll always be remembered here as part of that 2012 side. He was good for Ulster and I think Ulster was good for him at that time. Always looked as if he he left everything on the pitch. RIP
Volunteer at an animal sanctuary; it will fill you with joy , despair, but most of all love, unconditional love of the animals.
Big Neville Southall