Sharks fan died before kick off

A Sharks fan died as she headed for her seat at King's Park to watch the first match of the season. Picture:Marilyn Bernard

A Sharks fan died as she headed for her seat at King's Park to watch the first match of the season. Picture:Marilyn Bernard

Published Feb 17, 2014

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A Sharks fan died as she headed for her seat at King’s Park to watch the first match of the season.

Claire Buisman, 52, died of an apparent heart attack as she walked up the south-west ramp at about 6.15pm on Saturday, before the Sharks took on the Bulls. The ramp lift was out of order, with a security guard turning spectators away.

Her husband was with her.

A friend of the family, Jen Harper Marais, said Buisman was a loving wife, mother and friend.

“She was one of the friendliest people you would ever have the honour of meeting.

“A moment of silence at the next Sharks game would be an amazing way to honour her life,” Marais said.

On the Sharks Facebook page, the franchise’s management extended their condolences to the family.

Novashni Chetty, PR manager for the Sharks, confirmed a supporter had collapsed on ramp 2, level 4, just before the match kicked off.

“She was attended to immediately by paramedics and doctors on duty. They tried to resuscitate her for over an hour,” Chetty said.

Buisman was the operations manager at the Durban and Coast SPCA.

Chetty said there would be a moment of silence in memory of Buisman before Saturday’s Sharks vs Hurricanes game.

Caroline Smith, marketing manager for Durban and Coast SPCA, said Buisman was going to receive a 20-year certificate for her dedicated service to the SPCA. She said Buisman was married to Jan and had three daughters: Jackie, Haylee and Kate.

“Our hearts go out to them during this very difficult time.

“The staff and management at our SPCA are still reeling from the shock of Claire’s sudden and tragic death. She was an astute and talented operations manager who was passionate about her role in our organisation. She was also a dear friend and she will be sorely missed by every one of us.” - Daily News

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