College still reeling in shock after lightning kills rowing coach

Somerset College rowing coach and alumnus Nicholas “Nick” Whaits, 19, was killed by lightning while participating in a national rowing regatta on Germiston Lake, Gauteng. Photo: Supplied

Somerset College rowing coach and alumnus Nicholas “Nick” Whaits, 19, was killed by lightning while participating in a national rowing regatta on Germiston Lake, Gauteng. Photo: Supplied

Published Jan 29, 2019

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Cape Town – Somerset College staff and pupils are still reeling in shock after lightning killed a young rowing coach, an alumnus of the college, and injured a pupil from the school.

Rowing coach Nicholas "Nick" Whaits, 19, who matriculated at the school in 2017, and pupil William (Cougar) Macdonald, 14, were participating as part of a team in a rowing regatta when lightning struck at Germiston Lake in Gauteng on Saturday.

Macdonald, however, is recovering at Sunward Park Netcare Hospital in Boksburg.

The other members of the rowing team returned to Cape Town on Saturday evening and were received by parents and staff who offered support.

Sport and Recreation Minister Tokozile Xasa said: “We are saddened by the passing away of Mr Whaits, who was a coach to Mr William. 

"I would like to pass my condolences to the family and friends of Mr Whaits as well as the rowing community and the entire sporting family and wish William a speedy recovery.”

Yesterday, Somerset College, an independent co-educational school in Somerset West, commenced with a memorial assembly honouring Whaits.

All flags on the campus flew at half mast, with members of the Somerset College community invited to wear black armbands as a sign of mourning in solidarity with the bereaved.

Support was also offered to students, alumni, parents and staff by the college trauma counsellors and Student Development Unit.

Addressing the memorial assembly, Somerset College executive head Graham Sayer said: “Nicholas’ legacy of fun and belonging is one which we will cherish. 

“We extend our sincere condolences and love to Nicholas’ family in this time of pain and loss. They are a family renowned for their contribution to our school and we will continue to lift them up in our thoughts and prayers.”

Whaits would be remembered as an intelligent, kind and genuine person who took delight in mentoring younger students, said the school. Whaits’ younger brother is in Grade 11 at Somerset College.

Cape Times

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