Heart attack claims talented young man

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Family and friends of 18-year-old Robert Pollicutte from George are struggling to come to terms with his sudden death of a heart attack last week Thursday, 20 September.

Robert, who matriculated from York High last year and was studying BA Languages through Unisa in Stellenbosch, was found in an unresponsive state in his room by his flat mates last Thursday afternoon.

They immediately summoned the emergency services, but it was too late. An autopsy revealed the next day that one of the main arteries in his heart was completely blocked.

His mother Tarita says Robert had never shown any signs of heart disease, and that he had last needed to go to a doctor at the age of two.

A week before his death, while speaking to his grandmother Trix Schlebusch on the phone, he said he was short of breath. A little later he told his mother he might be coming down with flue as his joints were aching.

No one ever thought his symptoms could be heart related.

Robert was an extremely talented young man with a passion for music, languages and writing. He had great respect for the Japanese culture and taught himself to read and write the language. He also practised karate.

The Pollicutte family is heartbroken. Robert, the oldest of four children, was the only son and is survived by his dad Raymond, mother Tarita, gran Trix and sisters, Trisha (Gr 10), Judy (Gr 8) and Leila (Gr 6).

He also leaves behind Teegan van Riet, his girlfriend of almost three years. Teegan studies psychology at NMU in Port Elizabeth, and was set to visit Robert in Stellenbosch this coming weekend. The couple were planning to relocate to Japan after completing their studies.

Robert Pollicutte and his girlfriend Teegan van Riet had their whole future together mapped.

Teegan's mother, Karin van Riet, posted the following message on Facebook: "This young man arrived in our lives 2 and a half years ago with his shy cheeky smile, he melted our daughter's heart immediately - with us it took a while. She had found her soul mate and together they mapped out their entire futures together, but fate stepped in and scrapped those plans.

We never got to tell him how much we loved how happy he made our daughter, we thought we had the time. Robert we will miss you, your shy easygoing nature, your strength of character, your politeness and even your mop of hair. Rest In Peace dear Robert, you will always be in our hearts."

A post by his mom reads: "My heart is broken. My boy I want you back. Please."

During his Grade 11 year in 2016 he spent a week job-shadowing in the George Herald newsroom where he made a lasting impression. All the George Herald personnel send their deepest condolences to his loved ones.

Robert's body was brought to George this week. His memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Caledon Street this Saturday, 29 September, at 11:00.

The Pollicutte family are, from left, sis Leila, Robert, mom Tarita, dad Raymond, sis Trisha and sis Judy. Gran Trix Schlebusch sits in front.