Jeppe Boys School and Community Grieve the Loss of Bowie (16)

The Jeppe Boys community faces a sad reality as investigations persist into the tragic loss of one of its learners. Kaiden Bowie, aged 16, passed away on March 5 following a rugby fixture at Hoërskool Die Anker in Brakpan. Since the incident, an outpouring of support has flooded in for the bereaved family and the Jeppe Boys community. Kaiden, a Grade 11 learner and a boarder at Koodoo, collapsed on the field during the match. Despite resuscitation attempts, he did not survive.

The incident prompted shocked reactions from parents, spectators, staff, and players from both schools, who prayed together. A memorial service held on March 12 at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church honoured Kaiden’s memory. Jeppe Boys expressed profound sorrow, acknowledging the devastating impact of losing a community member. They noted no prior indication of injury or issues and await autopsy results.

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In response, the school arranged counselling sessions for students, recognising the need for support during this trying period. Gratitude was extended to the broader community, especially other Gauteng schools, for their messages of solidarity. Various schools and rugby clubs offered condolences, including Pretoria Boys High School, Holy Rosary School, St John’s College, Hilton College, and Wasps Rugby Club South Africa in Edenvale. Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane expressed sadness, with the Department of Education dispatching trauma counselling and support to the school.

Source: Jeppe Boys and community mourn Bowie (16)

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Gauteng Education Department Shaken by Two Tragic Deaths at Joburg Schools

Picture: Meta / Garreth Stein

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