READ MORE ABOUT FRIKKIE’S CLOSE FRIEND’S FRUSTRATIONS WITH HIS SITUATION IN THE PRINT EDITION OF SOUTHLANDS SUN WHICH HITS THE STREETS TODAY
A BLUFF family has been left distraught after Frikkie Henn who was away for work for three weeks, was hospitalised in ICU when his motorcycle collided with a barrier meant to demarcate the sinkhole on Tara Road on Saturday, 21 October.
Frikkie was on his way home to his fiance, Sunell Wilders and his eight-year-old daughter after spending time away in Richards Bay for work. Unaware of what had transpired on the Bluff following the 10 October storm, especially the sinkhole which developed in Tara Road, he called his wife to say he was on his way home. “He usually likes to surprise us by not telling me when he is coming home but that day it was different. So we were excited for his return – obviously unaware what would happen to him,” said Sunell.
Part of Tara Road had been barricaded off where a sinkhole claimed part of the road due to the storm damage on Tuesday, 10 October.
Sunell told the SUN Frikkie was travelling home on his motorbike on Tara Road at about 10pm when he struck a barrier lying on its side. “These barriers which are usually painted yellow was pushed over, so only the grey bottom faced the road he was travelling on. The road was poorly lit so the barrier was almost invisible. He said he only saw it when it was too late. He was unaware of the sinkhole, so he did not know the danger ahead of him,’’ she said sadly.
Frikkie’s serious injuries saw him placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. He sustained four cracked ribs, a cracked pelvis in two places, a broken ankle and acute kidney and lung failure. While he has emerged from the coma, he still breathes with the help of a tracheostomy and is on a ventilator.
With their finances already tight, his medical bills will add further strain on the couple.
A GoFundMe account has been set up in the hopes of raising at least R100,000 towards the medical bill, which has yet to be finalised. “It is embarrassing to ask for help but we don’t have any other choice. This is for Frikkie, the love of my life and the father of my child,” she cried.
“This is something you never think will happen to you or your loved ones. I was told by the doctors there was a slim chance of survival but I told them they are not God, only He can decide. He has emerged from his coma and is doing so much better. It is a miracle he pulled through. This whole ordeal was such an eye-opener, it taught me to be prepared for anything,” she said.
According to ward 66 councillor, JP Prinsloo, the roads maintenance department has erected additional barriers and signage to prevent motorists from using the affected section of Tara Road. This has been done to protect the petroleum pipelines located along the verge and for the safety of the community.
“The department is working on repairing the road as soon as possible. Residents are urged to use alternative routes via Club Drive and Beach Road,” said Cllr Prinsloo.
To support the GoFundMe account visit the Frikkie Fund on https://gofundmesa.co.za/frikkie-fund-goal-r100-000
