The death of St Andrew’s College pupil, Stuart van Oldenborgh, in an air crash in Limpopo last weekend, has rocked the Grahamstown community. Stuart, a Grade 9 pupil, set off in the Albatross aircraft from Tzaneen airport with his father, Peter, and three other passengers including well-known Johannesburg aviation photographer Frans Dely, at 10.30 on Sunday morning.
The pilot, Pieter Geldenhuys, had just participated in the Tzaneen air show. The aircraft was bound for Rand Airport in Johannesburg and was reported missing three hours later. The Graham House boarder was fondly known as "Smiley" by his friends. Deputy Headmaster, Aidan Smith, told Grocott's Mail that Stuart's nickname encapsulated his effervescent and friendly personality.
A statement issued by the school on Tuesday read: "Stuart was a highly intelligent and talented young lad who will be sorely missed by the boys and the staff at St Andrew’s College." Stuart enjoyed rugby, and as a member of the rowing Under 15B squad he experienced some memorable wins at the Zwaartzkop Regatta and the Eastern Cape Championships. He leaves behind his mother, Gillian, and his younger brother, Kieran, who attends St Peter's Preparatory School in Johannesburg. "He was supposed to join his brother here at St Andrew’s College next year," said Smith.
The death of St Andrew’s College pupil, Stuart van Oldenborgh, in an air crash in Limpopo last weekend, has rocked the Grahamstown community. Stuart, a Grade 9 pupil, set off in the Albatross aircraft from Tzaneen airport with his father, Peter, and three other passengers including well-known Johannesburg aviation photographer Frans Dely, at 10.30 on Sunday morning.
The pilot, Pieter Geldenhuys, had just participated in the Tzaneen air show. The aircraft was bound for Rand Airport in Johannesburg and was reported missing three hours later. The Graham House boarder was fondly known as "Smiley" by his friends. Deputy Headmaster, Aidan Smith, told Grocott's Mail that Stuart's nickname encapsulated his effervescent and friendly personality.
A statement issued by the school on Tuesday read: "Stuart was a highly intelligent and talented young lad who will be sorely missed by the boys and the staff at St Andrew’s College." Stuart enjoyed rugby, and as a member of the rowing Under 15B squad he experienced some memorable wins at the Zwaartzkop Regatta and the Eastern Cape Championships. He leaves behind his mother, Gillian, and his younger brother, Kieran, who attends St Peter's Preparatory School in Johannesburg. "He was supposed to join his brother here at St Andrew’s College next year," said Smith.
