Suideroord cyclist dies at age 58
Patrick Walker, a cyclist whose love of cycling was an expression of love and remembrance, died while cycling during the 94.7 Ride Joburg cycle challenge.
Suideroord resident and avid cyclist Patrick Walker passed away at 58 due to a heart attack during the 947 Ride Joburg cycle challenge on November 19.
Patrick’s death occurred days before his birthday on November 28 and his marriage anniversary on November 30. He will be laid to rest on November 29 at 14:00, leaving a legacy of love, resilience, and a profound dedication to family.
A sportsman’s journey
Belinda Walker, Patrick’s wife, described him as a dedicated sportsman, emphasising his lifelong passion for various sports.
“During his youth, he actively played soccer, leaving a lasting impact reflected in records still housed at Sir John’s College, where he pursued his education. Patrick’s athleticism was a defining feature of his character, evident in his straightforward nature and strong family orientation, with family holding an unparalleled significance in his life. Despite being known in the south, he remained humble about his recognition,” said Belinda.
Belinda said the tragic loss of their youngest son, Codi Walker, six years ago marked a profound turning point for Patrick.
“The death of his son impacted him and the experience of grief brought us closer together as a family. The pain of losing our son intensified Patrick’s commitment to cycling, becoming a daily ritual as he coped with the weight of the loss.
“His passion for cycling was not just a physical pursuit. It became a poignant expression of love and remembrance for his late son, Codi,” said Belinda.
A fatal moment
According to Belinda, in the final moments of the 947 Ride Joburg challenge Patrick, almost at the finish line, succumbed to a sudden heart attack.
“As he approached the finish line, Patrick suddenly toppled from his bicycle. Fortunately, a fellow cyclist who happened to be a doctor was riding behind him and promptly halted to assist. He initiated resuscitation, and within a few minutes, the ambulance arrived. Medical professionals on-site determined Patrick had experienced a severe heart attack,” said Belinda.
She reflected that the week leading up to the event had been characterised by the normalcy of family preparations and shared moments, making the tragedy all the more unexpected.
Codi’s passing
When asked about the circumstances of Codi’s passing, Belinda recounted a heart-wrenching tragedy.
“On that fateful night, Codi and a friend were making their way home after attending a gathering at a friend’s function and The Social Hub. Despite not feeling well during the evening, Codi chose to walk home, a departure from his usual practice of either calling us for a ride or opting for a ride-sharing service like Uber.
“As they strolled along the familiar path, tragedy struck when a drunk driver unexpectedly struck Codi. The impact of the collision had devastating consequences for Codi, leading to his untimely demise. Miraculously, his friend, who was walking with him, emerged physically unharmed from the incident,” said Belinda.
Supportive network
Amid the challenges, Belinda acknowledges the constant support from her family, Patrick’s friends, and the cycling club to which he belonged.
“My family has been a constant source of support, serving as my unwavering pillar of strength during this challenging time.
“Additionally, Patrick’s friends and the members of the cycling club to which he belonged have shown tremendous support, for which I am profoundly grateful. The extensive network of support from both my family and Patrick’s social circles has been instrumental in navigating this difficult period,” said Belinda.
