Durban — After Michaelhouse announced the death of one of its pupils following a mass casualty motor vehicle crash on Saturday, schools across South Africa have offered their condolences to the school.
Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson said their crews were dispatched to the R622 Greytown Road following a head-on collision.
“Upon arrival, crews were met with a horrific scene. Eleven people showed no signs of life and were declared deceased on the scene,” Robertson said.
“A 12-year-old male, the sole survivor from one of the vehicles, was found in critical condition. He was placed on a manual ventilator at the scene and rushed to a specialist hospital for further care.
“Another person also sustained serious injuries and required urgent medical attention.”
On Saturday evening, Michaelhouse rector, Antony Clark, said: “We are devastated to have to inform our Michaelhouse community that one of our E Block (Grade 8) boys, Garth Finnemore, died in a car accident this afternoon, along with his parents. He was travelling home from a Sevens rugby event at Wembley College in his parents’ car along with his parents and his younger brother who has been transported in a critical condition to hospital.
“At this stage, we know no further details but we will keep our community updated in due course. Our staff and our pastoral team at Michaelhouse are currently engaging with our boys at this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Finnemore family.”
On Facebook, various schools from KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of South Africa conveyed their condolences after Michaelhouse broke the news.
Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS) said: “The DPHS community is devastated at the news of the loss of such valued members of our Prep family.
“We hold Harry (Grade 6 Elliott) and the entire Finnemore family in our thoughts at this terribly difficult time.”
Maritzburg College said its community is saddened to hear the tragic news of the deaths of three of the Finnemore family; Gareth (OC 1997), Olivia and Garth, and their prayers and thoughts are with Harry who is critical in hospital.
“We extend sympathy and thoughts to the Michaelhouse and Durban Preparatory High School communities, dealing with the shock and sadness. May you all find strength and peace.”
Holy Childhood School (HCS) said: “Sending love and condolences to the Michaelhouse community and to all those who loved the Finnemores. Olivia Finnemore will always be remembered by HCS staff and old pupils. Thoughts and prayers are with Harry at this most difficult time.”
Thomas More College said: “We wish to extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to the Michaelhouse and DPHS Durban Preparatory High School communities. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Finnemore family during this challenging time.”
St Charles College said: “Our hearts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Finnemore family, and the entire Michaelhouse and DPHS communities. We also pray for immense strength and peace over young Harry.”
Curro Hillcrest executive head Paul Guthrie said: “Our hearts go out to the Michaelhouse community on the tragic passing of Garth Finnemore (E Block - Grade 8), and his parents, in a car accident this afternoon on the way back from a rugby 7s tournament at Wembley College. We keep the family, and the Michaelhouse community, in our thoughts and prayers.”
Hilton College said: “This breaks our hearts. We lift the Finnemore family and the Michaelhouse community up in prayer.”
Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School said its community is deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of the Finnemore family members.
“...May you find strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead. Our hearts go out to the surviving member of the Finnemore family, who is fighting for his life in the hospital. We hold him and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers and wish him a speedy and full recovery.”
Maris Stella School said: “This is just the most awful news!!! We are holding young Harry in our thoughts and prayers and holding Michaelhouse and DPHS close to our hearts. A tragedy like this affects us all, as a communal KZN family! We are thinking and praying for everyone who is hurting during this extremely difficult time! God bless.”
Epworth School said its heart goes out to the Finnemore family and the Michaelhouse community on their profound loss.
“We hold you close in our thoughts and prayers and ask God to comfort you and hold you firmly in the palm of His hand. ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ (Psalm 34:18)”
Clifton School sent its thoughts and empathy to the Michaelhouse community.
Highbury Preparatory School said: “On behalf of our headmaster and the Highbury community we send our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Finnemore family. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Michaelhouse community at this devastating and tragic loss.”
Cordwalles Preparatory School said: “On behalf of our Headmaster Mr Lance Veenstra, and the entire Cordwalles community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Finnemore family, Michaelhouse and the Durban Preparatory High School community.
“In this time of sorrow, may you find solace in the love and support that surrounds you.”
Howick Prep School said: “On behalf of Howick Prep School, our principal and staff, our heartfelt condolences go out to the whole Michaelhouse community and especially the Finnemore family. We as a school mourn with you.”
St Nicholas Diocesan School said: “Our deepest condolences are extended to the Finnemore family and the Michaelhouse family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we pray for God’s comfort and strength to surround you during this devastating time. With love from St Nicholas Diocesan School.”
Carlyle College ‒ Nottingham Road said: “On behalf of our Carlyle College staff, students, and families, we extend our deepest condolences to the Michaelhouse community during this incredibly difficult time. We are profoundly saddened by this tragic loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Weston Agricultural College said: “What tragic news. On behalf of all at Weston we would like to send our prayers and condolences to the Essery and Finnemore families and the Michaelhouse community. May God give you strength.”
Kingsmead College said: “The Kingsmead community sends our deepest condolences to the Finnemore family and the entire Michaelhouse community. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Finnemore family during this incredibly difficult time. May fond memories bring comfort during this sorrowful time.”
St Mary’s DSG (Kloof), Hillcrest High School (KZN), Drakensberg Boys Choir, Durban Girls’ College, Howick High School, Richmond Primary School, Reddam House Umhlanga, Russell High School, Merchiston Preparatory School, Northwood School, Kingswood College (South Africa), Woodridge College & Preparatory School, Wynberg Boys’ High School, The Wykeham Collegiate, the Jeppe High School for Boys and Felixton College also extended their sincere condolences to the Finnemore family, friends and Michaelhouse community and said their thoughts and prayers are with them all.
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