News

South African National Parks (SANParks) is mourning the sudden death of one of its own, Hendrik Davidson. He was based in Beervlei and lost his wife, Sandra Davidson, in December last year, two months after the Farleigh/Beervlei fires.

Speaking about Davidson, Park Manager for the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park, Sandra Taljaard, says ‘we are saddened by the tragic loss of ‘Beetle’ as he was affectionately known.’

‘His body was found by his colleagues at his home in the staff village in Beervlei this morning.’

Chief Executive Officer of SANParks, Fundisile Mketeni, has conveyed his sincerest condolences to the Davidson family and the community in Beervlei ‘our thoughts are with the Davidson family and colleagues who are shocked by his sudden passing.’ Trauma and counselling sessions are underway in Wilderness to support his family and colleagues.

The South African Police Services (SAPS) was called to the scene this morning as it seems ‘Beetle’ might have taken his own life.

Beetle’s death comes a year after the Beervlei/Farleigh fires where 10 lives were lost- two (2) adults (Elsabe Florina Windvogel and Lesley Andra Bewee) and 6 children (Eljade Jaylene Windvogel, Ethan Calin-Lee Windvogel, Aliyah Simone Sime-Leandre Oelf, Nalaya Nashay Oelf, Niah Na-Lee Oelf and Nalani Brienne Oelf) as well as an unborn baby (Andrea Oelf).

Sandra Davidson, wife of the deceased Hendrik Davidson succumbed to burnt wounds as a result of the October fires and died on the 3rd December 2018.

Taljaard says ‘ we have not only lost one of the best chainsaw operators in Beervlei but a brother, an uncle, a father and a supportive friend to many.’

Media is requested to give the family time to mourn. Details of the funeral will be made available through SANParks.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks)

Media Enquiries

Nandi Mgwadlamba
Regional Communications Manager
Tel: 078 702 9663
Email: [email protected]