Bok legend Joost van der Westhuizen dies
The severely debilitating motor neuron disease has claimed him at the age of 45 in Johannesburg.
South Africa scrum-half Joost Van der Westhuizen passes the ball during a Test match against France at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris on November 10, 2001. Former Springbok skipper Van der Westhuizen has died after being diagnosed with deadly motor neuron disease.
After being admitted to a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday morning, former Springbok Joost van der Westhuizen passed away on Monday.
He was admitted to the Fourways Life Hospital in Johannesburg but died at his home, surrounded by his family.
He had a sudden decline in his condition on Friday, among other things being short of breath.
His J9 Foundation wrote on Facebook on Sunday morning: “Joost remains in ICU in a critical but stable condition. He is responding well to his loved ones and putting up an incredible fight. He really is our Superman!”
The Bok legend had been battling motor neuron disease for more than five years. He was confined to a wheelchair for the past few years.
Van der Westhuizen was a member of the triumphant rugby team that won the World Cup in 1995 and held the record of 38 tries for years.
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