Fairmont High School mourns two former pupils - IOL

Fairmont High School is mourning two former pupils, Eathan van Rensburg and Deen West.

Fairmont High School is mourning the deaths of two former pupils, Eathan van Rensburg and Deen West, whose passing has left the school community heartbroken.

In separate tributes, the Cape Town school remembered the young men for their personalities, friendships and the lasting memories they left behind.

Eathan, a member of the Class of 2018, was tragically killed on Saturday morning when a suspected drunk driver allegedly smashed into his car head-on at a traffic light intersection in Northwold, Randburg.

The driver allegedly fled the scene, according to Eathan's father, Craig van Rensburg.

Van Rensburg has since shared an emotional tribute to his son, describing the devastating moment his family learnt of his death.

“Our world changed with one devastating phone call. What we experienced was something I would not wish on anybody,” he said.

In another heartbreaking message, Craig reflected on the close relationship he shared with his son, describing him as forgiving and someone who never held grudges.

“Eathan, you were so forgiving and never held a grudge, even if you and I had words and had one of our many arguments, we never stayed angry with each other,” he wrote.

He added: “Oh my best friend, I am broken and empty, words actually fail me.”

Craig said his consolation was believing that his son was safely in the arms of Jesus.

Fairmont remembered Eathan for his “larger-than-life smile”, inclusive nature and the warmth he brought to those around him.

“Some people leave an impression that lasts long after their school days have come to an end, and Eathan was undoubtedly one of them,” the school said.

Craig also reached out to the family of fellow former pupil Deen West, who was remembered by Fairmont in a separate tribute.

“My sincerest condolences to the family. I know what you are going through as we lost our son Eathan,” he wrote.

Fairmont described Deen as a much-loved former pupil whose death had hit close to home.

In a statement shared on behalf of the Naudé and West families, the school said Deen would be remembered for his “charming nature, kind heart and infectious zest for life”.

His connection to the school was particularly special. Both Deen and his brother had attended Fairmont, while his mother, Annalisa Naudé, was a former receptionist and remained a valued member of the school family.

“This loss is especially poignant for our school community,” the school said.

Nasheeta Ismail also shared a heartfelt message of condolence to Deen's family, writing: “So sorry for the loss of your beautiful son. He was too good to be here.”

Fairmont extended its condolences to both families, their former classmates, friends and everyone affected by the losses.

“Once a Monty, always a Monty,” the school said in its tribute to Eathan, adding that he would forever remain part of its story.