Johannesburg - Steve Brent, the Sandton motorcyclist who died after being struck by fleeing robbers during a police car chase on Thursday, was a “quiet, gentle, intelligent” man who in death has become a hero.
Brent, 49, was an organ donor and seven of his organs will be helping to save other lives.
Annie, Brent’s distraught wife of 25 years, says that as heartbroken as she is, she believes it is important for people to know some good can come from a tragedy.
“He was a strong man, so his organs can save someone else's life. I just want people to know that even in circumstances like these you can make a difference.”
Brent completed two marathons, and loved cycling and fishing with his 15-year-old son, Ethan. He even took his motorcycle all the way to Swaziland.
Even with their heartache, the family are trying to remember the happier times with the man they say “always had a smile on his face” and had “lovable quirks”.
Brent died of severe head injuries after becoming caught up in a car chase between the cops and four robbers in Republic Road.
The grey Renault Sandero in which the robbers were travelling smashed into Brent's motorbike and four other vehicles.
Brent was thrown off his bike. He died in the Milpark Hospital.
After the crash, the robbers opened fire at the police and a shoot-out ensued.
One of the robbers died, two others were wounded, and the fourth escaped.
Lieutenant-Colonel Tsekiso Mofokeng of the Gauteng SAPS says charges of attempted murder and murder are being investigated.
This was the third high-speed chase and subsequent shoot-out in weeks in the province.
The others were on the N14 near Randburg and in Westonaria.
A memorial service for Brent is to be held in Bryanston next week.
* Visit the organ donor foundation website at https://www.odf.org.za/
Saturday Star