"Really Sad ”: Stellenbosch Mother Dies in Hospital Shortly After Son Died in Car Crash
- A Stellenbosch mother died in hospital just days after a crash on Helshoogte Pass claimed the life of her six-year-old son
- St Idas Primary School confirmed the mother's death and said staff were still processing the loss of the young boy when the news came
- Western Cape police opened a murder case as they investigate the circumstances of the fatal collision
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A Stellenbosch family is grieving a devastating double loss after a mother passed away in hospital within days of her young son dying in a road crash. The collision on Helshoogte Pass claimed the life of six-year-old Berto-Lee Adams. His mother, who was also injured in the crash, later died in hospital. The tragedy unfolded over just a matter of days, leaving their community in shock.
Source: UGC
St Idas Primary School broke the news of the mother's death in a statement shared on Tuesday, 28 October. Staff described their disbelief at losing both a child and his mother in such a short space of time. The school extended its deepest condolences to the Adams family and everyone close to them.
Speelkring Pre-Primary, where Berto-Lee attended an after-school programme, also paid tribute to the pair. The school said it was still trying to come to terms with the little boy's passing when it learnt that his mother had died too.
According to SmileFM, Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Ndahke Gwala confirmed that the Cloetesville police station registered a case of culpable murder following the collision. Investigators are working to establish the full circumstances of the crash.
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Mzansi mourns Adams family
South Africans on social media were heartbroken by the news:
Billy Manus wrote:
"Condolences to the bereaved family."
Debbie Havenga said:
"Sending condolences to all the family on your very tragic loss 🥲 RIP Mom and son 🙏"
Bernadine Van Staden shared:
"My heartfelt condolences to you and the bereaved family. May God comfort you during these difficult times 💔🙏"
AS Khan wrote:
"May their souls rest in peace with Lord Jesus Christ. Amen"
Shereen Miles said:
"My sincere condolences to the family and nearest at this difficult time. This is really sad news. R.I.P. Angels, God knows best 🙏😢💔"
Magcina Ruzani added:
"Deepest condolences to the family. May the Almighty be your strength during this time. May their souls rest in perfect peace."
William Links wrote:
"Hi, morning. Sterkte aan family [Strength to the family]. God bless you 🙏❤️"
Other Briefly News stories on tragic youth losses
- Hoedspruit Christian School in Limpopo shared a moving tribute following the passing of learner Troy Matthysen on 27 October 2026 after a long and courageous battle with illness.
- A 27-year-old resident of Welkom in the Free State tragically lost his life in a motorcycle collision with a truck outside Riebeeckstad while travelling to collect his wife from her parents' home on 20 October 2026.
- Curro Salt Rock in KwaZulu-Natal announced the heartbreaking passing of Grade 10 pupil Katleho Ngecoboye' Nkosi Tsotetsi on 27 October 2026, remembering him as a vibrant natural leader with immense potential.
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Source: Briefly News
