A tragedy becomes someone’s miracle
“He changed people’s life with just his presence.”
“NO words can describe the pain that one feels after they have lost a loved one. Death is inevitable, but knowing this alone does not make it any easier to endure the loss of a loved one. It is through knowledge of the soul’s journey that we find comfort and healing.” – Anonymous.
“I REMEMBER that I wanted to be with him the first time I laid eyes on him. He was the most gorgeous looking, beautiful souled person I have encountered,” a heartbroken Clare Boadle, the 25-year-old fiancé of Ludi Vink said.
Ludi’s life was ripped away on Tuesday, February 21, after he tried to stop a fight in Mitzy’s Biker Pub, in Randhart. He was stabbed with a pool cue in his right eye and was declared brain dead two days later. Shocking CCTV footage recorded the horrific attack.
The RECORD spoke to Clare, who flew in from Australia on Thursday, February 23, to say her last goodbyes to Ludi before his life support was switched off. She landed in Johannesburg at 04:30 and had until 13:30 to say goodbye.
VIDEO: Ludi’s favourite song
Ludi and Clare met in Jeffrey’s Bay while she was visiting South Africa. On social media the couple shared their moments and there is not one that is sad or negative.
Clare said that no words can describe Ludi. She said he was a talented artist who loved surfing.
“He was free spirited, generous and so, so loving. He would see the positive in every single situation and make the most of every moment of his life. He inspired everyone he encountered no matter how brief. It did not matter if someone had not a cent to their name or a million Rand – he treated everyone with the highest level of respect and made time to talk to anyone. He changed people’s lives for the better with just his presence,” said Clare.
The Vink family made the decision to donate his organs after he was declared brain dead and according to Clare his organs will help at least eight people. His heart went to Cape Town on Thursday, February 23, and his liver was divided. One part will go to a small child and the rest to an adult. His kidneys were also on their way to another patient.
“He will live on in our hearts,” she added. Ludi’s remains will be cremated and his father, Lute, will scatter his ashes on a mountain in Limpopo where they went camping the weekend before his death.
Some of the ashes will go to Jeffreys Bay, where Ludi used to surf, and Clare will take the remainder with her to Australia.
Ludi’s memorial service was held on Tuesday, February 28. There will also be a paddle out at The Point, Jeffrey’s Bay, on March 5, at 08:00, with friend and fellow surfer Dan Weslawec, in remembrance of Ludi.
Daniel Jacobus Olivier (52), appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, on Friday, February 24, in connection with the incident and faces charges of murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was granted R5 000 bail and will appear in court again on April 20.
Ludi Vink’s attacker out on R5 000 bail
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