Police suspect that Van der Walt took his own life. This is the second time this year that tragedy has struck the same family, as he was the stepfather of Didi Coertze, the popular and widely loved York High learner who lost her battle against a very rare type of bone cancer in April this year. She was 19.
According to Captain Malcolm Pojie, the Southern Cape police spokesperson, police found Van der Walt sitting on the stoep in the backyard at his house in Denneoord, with a gunshot wound to his head.
A firearm was found next to his body. It is believed that Van der Walt was alone at the time of the incident.
Albertus Kennedy, the Chief Executive Officer of the SWD Cricket, this week said Van der Walt was an active member of the SWD Cricket Umpires Association and received the award for Umpire of the Season during the SWD Awards Function, held at Fancourt earlier this month.
"In his umpiring career he officiated at various Cricket South Africa National tournaments which included the CSA Tertiary week and Coca Cola Khaya Majola week," said Kennedy.
The President of the SWD Cricket Board, Rudy Claassen conveyed his condolences to his friends and family on behalf of the SWD Cricket fraternity.
"Trevor was a loyal umpire who will be sadly missed on the cricket fields of the Southern Cape," he added.
The police have opened an inquest docket.
No funeral arrangements were available at the time of going to press.
Two police officers in front of the Denneoord house on Sunday morning where Trevor Van der Walt’s body was found with a gunshot wound to the head. Photo: Pauline Lourens
The deceased’s step-daughter, the bubbly Didi Coertze, died from cancer in April this year. During her 19 years on earth she touched many people’s hearts and her untimely death was recorded on the front page of the George Herald.
