Young life ends on motorbike

Update

GEORGE NEWS - A local couple has been left devastated after the loss of their only child, Skyler Vermaak (17).

Skyler, a young motorcycle enthusiast, tragically died in an accident opposite Glenwood Golf Course in Knysna Road on Thursday afternoon, 22 August, when he and a friend were on their way home on their motorbikes.

He was Mandy and Vincent Vermaak's beloved son and left an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who knew him.

"Our beautiful Skyler has gone too soon from this lifetime," said his mother.

"Your caring and gentle nature and kind heart will be sorely missed. Your loyalty to your close friends was truly admirable. Rest in peace as we carry forward your legacy and celebrate your life. We love you and will forever keep you in our hearts and minds. The footprints you have left in your friends' hearts are something we will admire forever."

Skyler was travelling from the CBD toward the Garden Route Mall when he allegedly lost control of his motorbike due to a sudden gust of wind and collided with an oncoming car.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Chris Spies, the cause of the accident has not been confirmed yet.

"Preliminary investigation indicates that the motorcycle and three other vehicles collided. "The victim sustained multiple injuries. He was declared dead by medical personnel on the scene. Investigation into this matter is underway and the cause of the accident is yet to be established," Spies said.

Four other people were injured in the accident, which involved Skyler's Yamaha MT-09, a Hyundai Venue, a Renault Climber and a Kia truck.

Emergency services swiftly transported the injured to a nearby hospital shortly after the accident, which occurred before 17:00. All four lanes of Knysna Road were closed to traffic until 19:30, as emergency responders worked at the scene.

The total road closure had many motorists seeing red for a while, but after news of the young life lost started circulating on social media, they patiently waited to take the backroads home to their loved ones.

Skyler, a homeschooler, was cherished by many far beyond his close circle of friends. During a closed-coffin viewing held in his honour on Monday 26 August, it was evident just how deeply he had touched the lives of others. "It seems there were more than just his York High friends who admired this wonderful child. Many were completely heartbroken and spoke of him so fondly while saying their goodbye," said Mandy after the viewing.

A memorial service for Skyler will be held at the Methodist Church in Plantation Road, Heatherlands, at 15:00 today, Thursday 29 August. The service will also be available for live viewing via Zoom with meeting ID: 417 862 2515 and password: light.

"Skyler Vermaak's tragic passing has left a void in the lives of those who loved him, but his memory will continue to live on through the stories and the legacy he leaves behind," said Mandy.

Skyler leaves behind his mother and father.

Read a previous article: Een dood in Knysnaweg-botsing

Another lamp pole is now decorated with ribbons and flowers in remembrance of a young life lost.

Friends and family during a memorial held near where Skyler had his accident.