Danny K Thanks Mzansi for Support After Wife Lisa Koppel’s Death: “You’ve Made Us Feel Less Alone”
- Danny K took to social media to express gratitude for the love shown to his family following Lisa Gundelfinger Koppel's passing
- Lisa died on 9 August aged 41 after fighting colorectal cancer for three years, leaving behind three young children
- The singer revealed plans to honour Lisa's memory by raising awareness about colorectal cancer and supporting affected families
- Briefly News spoke to grief counsellor Paula Quinsee, who shared tips on how to cope with a loved one’s suffering in their final days
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Source: Facebook
South African singer Danny K, born Daniel Koppel, has broken his silence on social media to thank the many people who reached out with messages of love and support after the death of his wife, Lisa Gundelfinger Koppel. Lisa passed away on 9 August at the age of 41 following a three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
On Tuesday, Danny K shared a heartfelt post alongside his song I Can't Imagine, addressing the flood of condolences his family has received since Lisa's death. He acknowledged that the sheer volume of messages made it impossible to reply to each person individually but wanted everyone who reached out to know their kindness had not gone unnoticed.
"I want to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support, prayers and condolences for Lisa. There have been more messages than I could possibly respond to individually, but please know how deeply your support has been felt," he wrote.
Danny K opens up about family's grief
The singer described the past weeks as an "unimaginably difficult chapter" for his household and admitted that the family is shattered by the loss. He said the overwhelming response from the public had been a source of comfort during this devastating period.
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"Our family is shattered. This extraordinary outpouring has carried us and made us feel less alone through this unimaginably difficult chapter," he said.
Looking ahead, Danny K revealed that the family intends to channel their grief into something meaningful by using Lisa's legacy to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and support other patients and families navigating the same painful journey.
"In time, we intend to honour Lisa's life and legacy by raising awareness and supporting others facing this disease and the families beside them. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you," he wrote.
See the post below:
Mzansi rallies around Danny K
The post drew yet another wave of love from those closest to the family. Danny's father, Gavin Kay, expressed how deeply heartbroken he was, particularly for his three grandchildren, who will grow up without their mother.
"My heart is broken for my son 💔 Three small children will never call out 'Mommy' again, but I know one thing: Danny will raise them in a cocoon of abundant love ❤️," he wrote.
Friend Andrea Solomon Young remembered Lisa as someone truly special, also reflecting on the devastation colorectal cancer continues to cause despite advancements in medicine.
"No words. Lisa Koppel was an extraordinary human ♥️💔♥️💔. Taken way toooo soon by a disease that, going forward in this era where science has advanced so far, yet sadly this illness is still an awful affliction. Sending long life and strength to all the family 💔🙏💔🙏," she said.
Nicole Sher Gamaroff also offered her condolences, writing:
"We are so sincerely sorry for your loss. Wishing you and your family long life. May Hashem give 🙏 you and your family strength during this extremely difficult time."
Source: Facebook
How to cope with a loved one’s suffering in their final days
Paula Quinsee acknowledged that watching someone you love suffer during their final days can create intense helplessness, sadness and hopelessness. She emphasised that one might want to take away their pain, but often cannot.
Her advice is to focus on being present rather than trying to fix the situation. During a loved one’s final days, that could mean: holding their hand, playing music they love, watching a favourite film together if they are able, sitting quietly beside them and talking to them, or simply keeping them company.
"These acts are not about fixing suffering, but about easing aloneness," Paula Quinsee said.
Danny K's father Gavin Koppel pens emotional poem
Meanwhile, Briefly News previously reported that 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.
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Source: Briefly News
Tayananiswa Zvikaramba (Editor) Tayananiswa Zvikaramba is an entertainment writer at Briefly News. He previously worked as a profiler, sports, human interest, entertainment, and current affairs writer at Pindula (2016-2022) and iHarare (2022-2025). He holds a BA Honours in Archaeology from the University of Zimbabwe (2010-2013), YOAST SEO for Beginners (2023), YOAST Block Editor Training (2023), and YOAST Structured Data for Beginners (2023). Email: tayananiswa.zvikaramba@briefly.co.za
Paula Quinsee (Certified Relationship Therapy Educator and founder of Engaged Humans) Paula Quinsee is the founder of Engaged Humans, facilitating connection between individuals and organisations to create a more human-connected world. She is a certified Imago Relationship Therapy educator and facilitator, NLP practitioner, PDA analyst, coach and trainer. Paula is also the author of two self-help guides - Embracing Conflict and Embracing No - as well as an international speaker, advocate for mental health and activist for gender-based violence.
