The cricket community mourns the loss of a valued coach after he was struck by lightning at Crawford Preparatory Sandton.
In a statement released by the school, they confirmed that there was a lightning strike accident at the Sandton campus where a sport’s coach was struck and later passed away.
“One of our sports coaches, Clinton Flynn, was struck by lightning on 31 January at around 5.50pm and passed away at around 11pm that evening.”
The school said that after the lightning conductor warning sounded in the mid-afternoon, the fields were cleared of all learners.
“The storm came in suddenly and the staff reacted extremely quickly to ensure the fields and the open areas were cleared. At 5.50pm, Clinton was walking across the field, on his way home, when he was struck.”
According to the statement, various staff members from the school assessed the danger and then immediately secured Flynn on the school passages to begin first aid treatment.
A Netcare 911 ambulance was called, and he was stabilised and moved to Morningside Hospital. “We are extremely grateful to our staff, Thorburn Security and Netcare 911 paramedics for their immediate actions to ensure Flynn’s well-being. We also thank our community for all their care and thought.”
The school has offered counsellors to all children, staff and families that require assistance.
“As a school community, we continue to hold Clinton, his children and family in our thoughts as we wish them every strength during this time. When accidents happen, we as a community think of those around us and are reminded of how important we are to one another.”
National U19 talent scout for Cricket South Africa Jono Leaf-Wright said Flynn was an amazing coach, role model, mentor and so much more, who impacted so many lives along with his journey as a coach. “His involvement at different schools, NSSSC, Far North, Gauteng East, Central Gauteng and DJ Coaching was that of true professionalism always. Clint impacted has impacted thousands of lives over the years and will always be remembered for the amazing man he was.”
Leaf-Wright asked for prayers for Flynn’s family, players, coaches and everyone that knew him so well.
“Life is so short and moments like this teaches and reminds us to appreciate special people around us and never take every breath we take for granted. Coach Clint Flynn was a legend and his legacy must live on in the hearts and spirits of all those who knew him,” ended Leaf-Wright.
Did you know Clint Flynn? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook page
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