Danny K's Father Gavin Koppel Pens Emotional Poem After Lisa Koppel's Death at 41
- Gavin Koppel took to Facebook to share a heartfelt poem titled My Promise following the loss of his daughter-in-law, Lisa Koppel
- The grieving father vowed to channel his pain into compassion and become a source of comfort for others facing hardship
- Gavin revealed the family had been overwhelmed by an outpouring of love from across South Africa for Danny K and his children
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Source: Facebook
The Koppel family is mourning the loss of Lisa Koppel, wife of South African musician Danny K, who passed away on Sunday, 9 August 2026, at the age of 41 after a private battle with colorectal cancer. Amid the heartbreak, Danny's father, Gavin Koppel, has stepped forward with a deeply moving message that has resonated with many South Africans.
Gavin Koppel pens poem for Lisa Koppel
Gavin took to Facebook to share a poem he titled My Promise, in which he reflected on grief and what he intends to do with his pain. Rather than allowing the loss to consume him, he wrote about turning sorrow into something purposeful.
"I will use my pain to heal from this day forward. I cannot change what has happened or bring back those I have lost, but I can choose what I do with the pain," he wrote.
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The poem speaks to his desire to develop a deeper understanding of others who are suffering, offering kindness and comfort to those walking through their own dark seasons. He described his grief not as something to be buried, but as a tool for connection.
"It will become compassion, understanding, and love in action," he added.
Gavin closed the poem by naming this purpose as his calling:
"I will use my pain to heal myself and others who need someone who understands. That will be my calling."
Read Gavin Koppel's full 'My Promise' poem below:
Beyond the poem, Gavin also spoke about the remarkable wave of support the family has received since Lisa Koppel's passing. He described a "massive outpouring of love from every quarter of South Africa", with countless people reaching out to Danny and his three children through messages and personal visits.
Gavin also extended gratitude to members of the media, acknowledging that they had been respectful of the family's need for privacy during such a sensitive time.
Despite the devastating circumstances, he noted that the tragedy had brought the family closer than ever before.
"Our family is united like never before, and we will turn our pain into power," he said.
Why Danny K’s wife kept her battle private
Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that Lisa Koppel's family revealed why they kept her diagnosis private.
In a statement released days after her passing, the family shared that she kept her diagnosis private for a deeply personal reason.
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Source: Briefly News
