Slain football star joins the 27 club

This is a term that refers to a number of popular musicians and also celebrities who have died at age 27, often as a result of drug and alcohol abuse, or violent means such as homicide or suicide.

The ‘club’ has been repeatedly cited in music magazines, journals and the daily press. Several exhibitions have been devoted to the idea; as well as novels, films and stage plays.

It has stirred up speculations if the age of 27 is cursed, or if there is a scientific explanation for the sudden departures.

Whatever the reason, if it be pure coincidence or indeed bad luck, another sad loss has been added to the growing list – Bafana Bafana captain Senzo Meyiwa.

Meyiwa was shot dead in Vosloorus at the age of 27.

Rolling Stones Magazine have reported that 50 musicians have died at the age of 27. Among the list is famous musicians Brian Jones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and more recently Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths of these artists are equally morbid such as hard-living blues singer Joplin – the lone female of the rock and roll pack – who died in Los Angeles of a heroin overdose just weeks after legendary guitarists Hendrix (who apparently choked on a large amount of red wine).

One of the inaugural members of the 27 Club was blues man Robert Johnson – who died after drinking poisoned whiskey.

Rebel guitarist Brian Jones was found drowned in his swimming pool in July 1969, while famous The Doors singer Jim Morrison was found dead in a bath in 1971.

The world was shocked when 25 years later, on April 5, 1994, famously troubled Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain committed suicide at his home in Seattle.

Then there is also celebrities like Jonathan Brandis (American actor, director) and Jean-Michel Basquiat (American artist) who have over the years joined the 27 Club.

The club, however, remains a mystery of the ages, like the Bermuda Triangle.