It’s a pain no parent should experience and yet the trauma of losing a child cuts to the bone.
Taking to social media this week, former Top Billing and MTN Gladiators presenter Ursula Chikane (formerly Stapelfeldt) shared tragic news with her followers.
The TV personality announced the death of her 27-year-old nephew Mikey, and not son, as previously reported.
“Our precious boy. My one consolation is that you always knew how much we love you. Born 7 July 1993. Taken from us 8 November 2020.
“RIP Mikey,” she wrote, accompanied by a picture of her sister’s son.
Our precious boy. My one consolation is that you always knew how much we love you. Born 7 July 1993. Taken from us 8 November 2020.
— BrownSugar (@UrsulaChikane) November 9, 2020
RIP Mikey. pic.twitter.com/KAv2vA8RxK
Although Chikane didn’t reveal the circumstances of Mikey’s death, hours after her initial post, there was an outpouring of condolences from fans and colleagues in the broadcasting industry.
“I'm so sorry Ursula. My little brother's first anniversary is coming up in 2 weeks Pensive face I know what you are all going through. I'm always just a DM away if you need to chat. This is incredibly tough. I'm so sorry,” wrote fellow broadcaster Rob Forbes.
Power Breakfast presenter Iman Rapetti also offered her condolences with “Beloved, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful boy. Peace be upon you.”
Comedian Tumi Morake paid her respects, saying: “So sorry for your loss ma. May he rest in eternal peace and may you find peace. Praying for you and your family”.
The Power FM presenter initially hinted that not all was well when she posted a cryptic tweet, saying: “So, this is what a truly shattered heart feels like.”
So, this is what a truly shattered heart feels like💔
— BrownSugar (@UrsulaChikane) November 9, 2020
Hours later, she broke the tragic news.
The radio presenter further updated fans today, thanking them for their support and kindness.
“My sister and our family thank you for your condolences and support. We're truly touched by the your generosity and kindness. We'll respond to your messages once we've sent our boy on his final journey. I am devastated that my extraordinary nephew was ripped away from us,” she wrote.
My sister and our family thank you for your condolences and support. We're truly touched by the your generosity and kindness. We'll respond to your messages once we've sent our boy on his final journey. I am devastated that my extraordinary nephew was ripped away from us💔🌸
— BrownSugar (@UrsulaChikane) November 11, 2020