slowtwitch Posted December 8, 2009 Share Today there is closure.... Some of you may remember there was a fatal bike accident on the Durban Circuit (close to Blue Lagoon) last year in which Dr.<?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Willem van HeerdenonName> (72) was run over by a hit-and-run car. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Unfortunately that was my dad, and here?s what took place The accident took place on the Wednesday morning of 30th July at 6h00 while my dad was on his usual training ride alone. He was hit from behind and was killed instantly. 2 runners, one of which was well known ex pro surfer Pierre Tostee. A group of bikers was first on the scene. My mom got worried after hours of waiting and went looking for him, even seeing the police car still at the scene not thinking anything of it, phoning hospitals and so forth. Eventually, around 11h00 the police managed to trace my mom and came to break the news. A special thanks to Mr Craig Parker Proctor an accident investigation specialist who did such a fantastic job at tracing down the suspect?s car (a company vehicle of a cousin) in Stanger at the panel beaters with the bumper already replaced and a new windshield being fitted. The suspect and 2 others were recorded on camera gambling and drinking at the Sun Coast Casino. The vehicle?s (matching the witness? description) registration plate was also picked up by camera and being a company vehicle, it was fitted with a tracking device. The suspect was arrested the same day somewhere in Durban, and charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, defeating the course of justice, failing to stop after an accident or failure to render assistance to the injured, driving without a licence and driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. My mom phoned me at 14h00 A memorial/ protest ride was arranged the following week in which, I don?t know, but at least 1500 cyclist pitched. After a heated and emotional debate the city police prevented the ride from taking place. However, just seeing so many riders sacrifice their business time to be there was awesome. Thank you if you were part of it. I was truly impressed in the manner in which the police handled the investigation. No stone was left unturned and the detail of the forensic investigation was very impressive. Although this is not normally allowed, the inspector conducting the investigation invited me to explain exactly what they did, how they reconstructed the accident, evidence, etc. I was very grateful for this and as I said, I left with a feeling that the best team was on this case. They said that the case enjoyed so much attention because it was the first case in SA in which so much evidence was available in a hit and run accident, and that it would be used in future for training purposes. After countless appearances in court since last year, the accused defended himself by stating that he either had to hit my dad, or hit an oncoming car (no skid marks or oncoming car seen by the witnesses). He was to appear in court next week again for the conclusion of the case?it will never happen. He died of a heart attack this morning Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mackie Posted December 8, 2009 Share Hope you and the family are healing ok. Karma will hunt you down! Good riddence to bad rubbish. Stay strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMartin Posted December 8, 2009 Share Hell, what a story and what a thing to live through. My sympathy to you and your family and thank you very much for sharing such a tough, difficult and personal narrative. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tubeless Posted December 8, 2009 Share Ai, sterkte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmaccelari Posted December 8, 2009 Share My thoughts are with you & your family. I think the guy got off easy... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hagar Posted December 8, 2009 Share sjoe man soory to hear about your dad my condolences to you and the family . ja jungle justice my seargent major would say ...... heart attack was to easy he should have had a slow and painful death ....... not stopping and just driving away without taking consequences for his actions he was so low that he could fly a kite under a carpet !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TNT1 Posted December 8, 2009 Share sheesh man soory to hear about your dad my condolences to you and the family. I don't think the arsehole got off lightly. There is a special spot in hell reserved for him. Will be far worse than anything that this life could give as punishment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willehond Posted December 8, 2009 Share Thanks for your very personal story slowtwitch. Very sad to loose your father like that. My sincere condolences. I'm guessing that this has contributed to you giving up the road racing? Very understandable if it is so. Also sad that the guy did not get to face the charges, but I'm just glad you got such good support from the SAPS. I've also had some good experiences from some people there despite the doom and gloom stories. Strerkte Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteelyDan Posted December 8, 2009 Share Hey ST - glad it's over... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockrider Posted December 8, 2009 Share Please accept my condolences to you and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edition 507 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Nothing will ever make up for your loss, but it almost seems as if justice has been served. At least you can have closure now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevenvj Posted December 8, 2009 Share Hey ST, my sincerest condolensces to you and your family for your loss of your dad. I am glad to hear that the idiot met his fate and karma. He got what he deserved. Maybe he did get off without feeling the pain that you went through but with the state of our justice system in SA he might have gotten off scott-free so it's probably better this way. You'll meet up with your dad one day in heaven where he is enjoying his care-free and safe cyclingstevenvj2009-12-08 08:13:04 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dude Crush Posted December 8, 2009 Share Condolences to you and the family! It really is a tragic story... makes you remember that this can be a really dangerous sport. And even when you're careful, things can still go wrong! Be safe guys... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reghard111 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Nothing will take the sadness away, ....Karma is a great thing though! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gummibear Posted December 8, 2009 Share Condolences to you and the family! At least some justice is served and his familly will feel some of the pain you and and yours went through.Now you have some closure on this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andyr249 Posted December 8, 2009 Share Glad to hear that you have closure! Seems like Divine Law intervened and served justice better than what the court could've done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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