Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS) pupil Harry Finnemore, 12, who survived the crash that killed his parents and older brother, is recovering well in hospital.
Harry’s brother Garth and his parents Olivia and Gareth Finnemore died in a head-on collision on the R622 Greytown Road while travelling to Durban from a rugby sevens tournament at Michaelhouse last Saturday.
Harry was the only survivor. He was found in a critical condition and placed on a manual ventilator at the scene before being rushed to a specialist hospital for further care.
Messages shared on the DPHS parents group chat stated that a parent from the school had visited him at the undisclosed hospital.
It was said the boy managed to stand on his feet on Monday and a physiotherapist was preparing him to start walking today.
“I am with Harry now, he’s sleeping – best thing for him. Just earlier one of his DPHS masters came to see him. He called them sir (always best manners) and wanted to shake their hands. He’s aware and recognises everyone but is still very sedated and sleeping,” read one message.
A statement released jointly by his late brother’s school, Michaelhouse, and DPHS said Harry was recovering well.
Grant Phipson, the headmaster at DPHS, and Michaelhouse rector Antony Clark said Harry was stable and urged the public to continue praying for him during this recovery stage.
“As we mourn the loss of Garth Finnemore, (E Block Baines), and his parents, Olivia and Gareth, we continue to pray for young Harry’s recovery.
“Harry underwent a major operation on Saturday evening.
“Since then, he has been responsive and has made encouraging strides in his recovery.
“The medical team is hopeful, but given the severity of his injuries, he remains in a critical yet stable condition.
“Both Grant Phipson and I, together with our staff, will continue to support the family and all our boys at both schools,” said the statement.
On social media, Justin Waldin wished Harry a speedy recovery.
“My heart aches for the extended Finnemore family, and especially Harry.
I pray for him to recover physically and mentally fully to deal with his precious life ahead. Similarly for the families of the nine other victims of this terrible crash on the Mooi River road.”
Joanne Patricia Gardner said: “Praying constantly and endless thoughts for this precious boy, Harry, for his healing, for his peace and his navigation and way forward in his life ahead with his family. This just breaks my heart beyond.”
The KZN Department of Transport confirmed that 23 people lost their lives on KZN roads in a deadly weekend across the province at the weekend.
The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) said it was preparing for the memorial service of six of its members who died in a taxi crash on the R74 Kranskop Road on Saturday.
The MKP members were reportedly on their way to attend an event honouring the first wife of former president Jacob Zuma, Sizakele Khumalo Zuma.
MKP Member of Parliament Moses Mbatha said the date for the memorial service has not been confirmed but noted that it would be attended by senior members such as MKP leader Zuma, Floyd Shivambu and Nhlamulo Ndhlela.
The Mercury