Update
GEORGE NEWS - The 33-year-old man who was arrested after the death of Lauri-Kay Michaels (21) from Pacaltsdorp, Cheslynn Hendricks, will return to court on Wednesday 16 April, after being granted R1 000 bail.
He faces charges of culpable homicide and driving under the influence. His first court appearance was in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 10 March.
Michaels was hit by a white Honda with dropped suspension on Saturday night, 8 March, while walking home in Mission Street with friends after a rugby match at Pacaltsdorp Stadium.
The Honda was going in the opposite direction. Conville police officers at a nearby stop street reportedly witnessed the accident and pursued the vehicle. Hendricks was later arrested at a residence not far from the scene.
Emergency services arrived to find Michaels had already succumbed to her injuries.
"She was a peace-loving person who leaves a huge absence. We are shattered," said her grandmother, Charleen Titus. Michaels, a former Outeniqua Primary and Outeniqua High School student, loved playing chess.
After matric, she studied at South Cape College and worked in the HR department of George Hospital before her passing.
"We firmly believe God will not put something in our path we can't overcome. We are not pointing fingers, just seeking justice," Titus says. Michaels' parents were too grief-stricken to speak to George Herald.
Her aunt, Zandra Lewis, remembers her as a kind and humble person with a beautiful smile.
"She sometimes lived in her imagination but always dared to bring it to life. She called me Nanna, and I am grateful to have been part of her life for 21 years."
A memorial service will be held at 19:00 tonight, Thursday 13 March, at the Uniting Reformed Church (VGK) Pacaltsdorp.
Her funeral will take place at 11:00 on Saturday 15 March at her home, 114 Mission Street, followed by a church service at 12:00.
Read a previous article: Man arrested after youngster dies in vehicle accident
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