“Please Help Bring Eric Home”: SA Man Dies While Working in the USA, Family Appeals for Support

• Eric Filmalter, a South African man who worked in the United States, tragically lost his life in Iowa
• His family pleaded with the country to help repatriate his body with donations via a crowdfunding campaign
• Members of the online community felt for the Filmalters and shared messages of love and support
• Briefly News contacted Eric's sister, Laurette Grobler, who provided details about his death and how she would like her brother to be remembered

A South African man, George Frederick 'Eric the Viking' Filmalter, tragically died in a shooting accident at work in Iowa, United States, on 28 November, 2025. His loved ones back home are pleading for support to return Eric to South Africa to have a dignified send-off.

In a BackaBuddy campaign, Laurette Grobler, Eric's older sister, shared that the cost to repatriate the 26-year-old's body is roughly R300 000 ($18 000). Within two days, the family managed to receive over R100 000 in donations on the crowdfunding website, but the support doesn't stop there.

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Laurette shared with the public:

"Unfortunately, he did not have insurance that covers this type of tragedy, which is why we are asking for help. If there are any funds left over, we will use them to help pay for Manisha's studies."

Manisha is Eric's widow, whom he married on 8 February, 2025. To afford a big wedding and invite every member of his family to celebrate the beautiful day, Eric sold his 4x4, his prized possession.

"It was a weekend crammed full of love and laughter that will live in our hearts forever. That was the kind of man Eric was: loving, gentle, and fearless."

The saddened sister added:

"There is only one country like ours. If you were born and raised in South Africa, you know that the red earth not only grows giant potatoes but becomes a part of who you are. Our wild, untamed land is where a South African child belongs to return for burial until the end of days."

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Eric Filmalter's death explained

Laurette, who is set on giving her mother and sister-in-law a chance to say their final goodbyes, shared with Briefly News that Eric was a lover of hunting and fishing.

"He had friends over, and he wanted to show them the guns that he had purchased while in the States. While showing his friends, a shot went off from a gun that had the magazine removed. He didn't realise that there was a bullet loaded."

Sadly, the young farmer passed away instantly.

Speaking about how she wanted Eric to be remembered, Laurette noted that the family decided to have a reunion every year on his birthday so that her mom and Manisha would never be alone.

Eric Filmalter's death saddens the internet

The news of Eric's passing spread across social media platforms, with one Facebook page, SA 2 USA Recruit, urging social media users to assist the family.

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A portion of the page's post read:

"Please help bring Eric home. Let’s stand together as a community and help this family during their darkest hour. Every contribution, every share, and every prayer counts."

Felix Vosloo wrote under the post:

"So sorry to your whole family, his loved ones, and friends. Rest in peace."

On the BackaBuddy page, an anonymous person who donated R200 said:

"My brother also works in the USA, and we pray for his protection every day. I can't imagine how you must feel. God's blessings upon you."

Another anonymous person, who generously donated R5 000, commented:

"Good luck to the family. Eric was a great man and friend. We'll miss him so much."

A person named Susan stated:

"May God carry you through this bitterly sad time. My heart breaks for you all."

3 Other stories about tragedies abroad

• In another article, Briefly News reported that Ronald Lamola, the Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), confirmed Nathi Mthethwa's passing. The Ambassador to France was found dead in Paris.
• Last year, a South African man, Benjamin Bezuidenhout, was found dead off the Greek coast after going missing for a day. Greek authorities recovered his body after it was alleged that he died in a freak accident.
• Additionally, last year, a South African man working on a farm in North Dakota, United States, died during a wildfire that ravaged the state. His co-workers sang his praises and gave moving tributes.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News