Prison official dies after crash on N2

Update

GEORGE NEWS - When Jeremy Carolus (50), a warden at the George Department of Correctional Services (DCS), left for work on a rainy Monday morning, 21 October, his family could never have guessed that he would not be coming home that afternoon.

Carolus was one of two DCS officials involved in a serious accident on the N2 near the Glentana bridge while they were transporting an inmate to the Riversdale Magistrate's Court.

He succumbed to his injuries in Mediclinic George about a week later, on Sunday 27 October.

"My beloved brother was the youngest of our six brothers," said Carolus' brother, Howard Carolus. "He worked for DCS for the last 29 years. He really enjoyed his job and was respected by his colleagues."

Jeremy was known for serving his community and always lending a helping hand to someone in need. "He was loved by all his many friends and with his great sense of humour and his beautiful nature, he always had friends around the potjiekos pot until late at night," said Howard.

He also had a passion for carpentry and it kept him busy in his off time - except on Saturdays when you would usually find him next to the rugby field, cheering on the Evergreens.

According to Howard, his brother was a wonderful husband to his wife, Dorothy, and a father to his children Jene-Leigh, Suney and Ryan. "Our families often got together at his house to spend quality family time together.

"To me he was more than a brother. He was also my best friend and he leaves a huge void in the hearts of all who knew him. I'm going to miss him a lot."

The accident

Jeremy and his colleague, who is still recovering in hospital, were on their way to Riversdale when their vehicle allegedly aquaplaned on a puddle of water and rolled. It came to a halt on the opposite side of the N2 (direction Mossel Bay to George).

Carolus' colleague was flung from the vehicle as it rolled. He sustained serious fractures to his pelvis and other bones. Carolus sustained severe back and neck injuries. Both were taken to hospital in serious condition. The prisoner was hospitalised with a cut to his head. He was discharged soon afterwards.

DCS spokesperson Candice van Reenen conveyed their condolences to the family.

"The DCS is deeply saddened by the passing of one of its officials over the weekend. Acting Regional Commissioner Kenneth Mthombeni extends his condolences on behalf of DCS, to the bereaved family during this painful time. The Department is also mindful of the impact and loss which the colleagues of George in particular are enduring following Carolus' passing," she said.