Jeppe Boys and community mourn Bowie (16)

The cause of death of a Jeppe High School for Boys learner is still under investigation, leaving his family and friends with questions.
This comes after Kaiden Bowie

(16) died on March 5 after playing a pre-season rugby fixture at Hoërskool Die Anker in Brakpan.

Since his passing, messages of support and condolences have poured in for the Jeppe Boys community and the Bowie family.

The Grade 11 learner was a boarder at Koodoo.

Bedfordview and Edenvale News’ sister publication Brakpan Herald reported that Bowie collapsed on the field and despite efforts to resuscitate him, died.

ALSO READ: Watch: Jeppe Boys community and others remember Grade 11 learner in light of tragic loss

Parents, spectators, staff and players were shocked by the incident and boys from both schools spontaneously made a circle in prayer. A memorial service was held at Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church on March 12.

“We are heartbroken. As a school community, there is nothing one is more fearful of than losing one of our boys,” stated Jeppe Boys.

“We do not underestimate the pain that everyone within our family will be feeling, regardless of how close they may have been to Bowie.”

The school stated that there was no evidence to suggest that the player had sustained an injury or reported any issues during the fixture.

“We will await the results of the autopsy rather than speculate,” the school said.

In light of Bowie’s death, counsellors met with learners both individually and in groups.

The school thanked the community, specifically fellow Gauteng schools for their messages of support, condolences and emotional as well as spiritual support for the Jeppe family.

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Messages of support:

Pretoria Boys High School:

“The Pretoria Boys High boys, staff and community are holding Kaiden’s family in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time. We are devastated by your loss and we trust that Kaiden’s legacy will live on. Condolences to the whole of the Jeppe community.”

Holy Rosary School:

“Our sincerest condolences to Kaiden’s family and the Jeppe High School for Boys community. May his soul rest in peace.”

St John’s College:

“Our condolences go to Kaiden’s family, friends, and the greater Jeppe High School for Boys community. We hold you in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly sad time.”

Hilton College:

“Our deepest condolences to the Jeppe High School for Boys family and to the Bowie family and Kaiden’s friends. Our hearts go out to you as we hold you in our prayers at this terribly tragic time.”

Wasps Rugby Club South Africa in Edenvale, where Bowie was a member, also expressed its condolences to the family.

ALSO READ: Bedfordview learner dies in tragic accident

Bowie joined Wasps in 2020 and contributed to its success, particularly the 2023 Lions Seven’s tournament that the club won.

“Kaiden was not just a player but a cherished member of our rugby family. His passion, determination, and infectious spirit touched all who had the privilege of knowing him,” stated the club.

“We will forever remember Bowie’s legacy both on and off the field.”

Golden Lions Youth Rugy offered its condolences to the Bowie family, Kaiden’s friends on and off the field at Jeppe Boys and the Wasps club.

Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane announced that he was saddened to hear about the young player’s death.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit was dispatched to the school to provide trauma counselling and support.

“The department is grateful to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group for availing its services for additional support,” said Mabona.