“Heartbreaking”: St Stithians Mourns Coach and Former Pupil David Burgess, 28, After Sudden Death

• The St Stithians community shared the heartbreaking news of David Burgess's unexpected passing from heart failure at just 28 years old
• David attended St Stithians from Grade R through to Grade 7 before returning as a much-loved member of the Boys' Prep coaching team
• His mother Linzi has served on the Junior Prep teaching staff for more than 30 years, deepening the family's ties to the school

The St Stithians community is in mourning after the sudden death of David Burgess, a former pupil and Boys' Prep coach who passed away from heart failure at just 28 years old.

The Old Stithian Association announced the news on Facebook on 19 August 2026, sharing that David had died unexpectedly, describing it as a loss that would be deeply felt across the entire community.

David first walked through the school's gates as a Grade R pupil and remained there through to Grade 7. He completed his high school years at another institution, but his bond with St Stithians never truly ended. In a full-circle moment, he returned to the school as part of the Boys' Prep coaching team, where he quickly became a beloved figure among staff and students alike.

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A family rooted in St Stithians

The Burgess family's connection to the school runs deep. David's mother, Linzi, has been a valued member of the Junior Prep teaching staff for more than 30 years. His sister, Jess Burgess, was also mentioned by the school, as the family received an outpouring of condolences from the wider community.

The Class of 2016, who shared their early school years with David, remembered him fondly as someone who left a lasting impression long before he returned as a coach.

The school asked the community to keep the Burgess family in their thoughts during what it described as an incredibly difficult time.

View the Facebook post below:

Mzansi reacts to the heartbreaking loss

Tributes flooded the comments section of the Old Stithian Association's Facebook page:

Beverley Parkinson wrote:

"Heartbreaking. Davey was a very special person. Our heartfelt condolences to Linzi Burgess and Jess, and fam. We will always hold beautiful memories of him. We are praying for you all during this very difficult time. RIP Davey."

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Kim Mackay Gouweloos shared:

"Dear Linzi and Jess, I am so saddened to read of David's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. I think of him fondly through our years together in KZN junior squash. May he rest peacefully."

Doris Zamajobe Ngcobo said:

"So sad to see this. Rest well, my boy."

Marcel A Kairuz wrote:

"So young, so sad. RIP David. Condolences to all his family and loved ones."

Christine Beatt added:

"What a beautiful, happy photo of this gentleman. So sad, too young. My condolences to his family and friends."

Samantha Dawn Padayachee-Pillay said:

"Our deepest condolences to Linzi and Jess. So sad. My son's old friend. Rest well, David."

Nicky Gray wrote:

"Sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Gone too soon."

More Briefly News stories on St Stithians

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• A resurfaced rugby video of St Stithians College learner Ethan Coetzee has drawn attention online as SAPS continues investigating his death and that of fellow Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks.
• St Stithians College faced criticism over its handling of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death in a fire, as SAPS upgraded the case from an inquest to a formal murder investigation.

Source: Briefly News