“I Feel for John the Kids”: Photo of Wicknell Chivayo’s Ex-Wife and Kids Sparks Outpouring Sympathy

• A photo shared on the Facebook account of Sonja Louise captured her travelling first class with her children, John and Atarah
• The post surfaced just before news broke of Wicknell Chivayo and his wife dying in a helicopter crash
• Social media users flooded the comments with heartfelt condolences for the children who lost their father

A photo of a woman believed to be Wicknell Chivayo's ex-wife and their two children has drawn an outpouring of grief and sympathy online after news broke of the Zimbabwean businessman's death.

The image was shared on a Facebook account under the handle Sonja Louise on 30 September 2026. It showed a woman travelling first class on an aeroplane, with two young children, identified as John and Atarah, visible in the background. The account has not been verified as belonging to Chivayo's former wife.

A community rallies around a grieving family

What began as an ordinary travel photo quickly became something far more significant. Shortly after the post went live, reports emerged that Wicknell Chivayo and his wife had died in a fatal helicopter crash in a rural area of Marondera. For followers who had seen the picture, it provided an unintended measure of relief. The children were clearly safe, abroad with their mother, far from the tragedy unfolding at home.

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As the news of Chivayo's death spread, people began flooding the comments section of the post with messages of condolence and support. Many directed their sympathies specifically to John and Atarah, acknowledging the weight of losing a father at a young age.

See the Facebook post that drew floods of condolences below:

Followers share their condolences

The post became a gathering point for those processing the shock of Chivayo's sudden passing, with the children at the centre of everyone's concern. Commenters on the Facebook account of Sonja Louise were moved to offer comfort:

@Zvikomborero Gracious Shaurwa wrote:

"My condolences to your kids for the loss of their father. Nothing and no one can replace that."

@Clever Tawarira said:

"I hope and pray that your bundle of joy are safe, Nematambudziko [no troubles]."

@Humbalisious Humbalisious shared:

"My condolences 😞 amai [meaning: mother], may your husband rest in peace."

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@Natasha Mutenga commented:

"Hope the kids are safe. Hugs."

@Dephine Gutsa wrote:

"I feel for John and Atarah."

@Nkosinathi Ndlovu added:

"God takes away some things from us for a reason 😔. Nematambudziko [no troubles], dearest."

3 Briefly News articles about the late Wicknell Chivayo

• A resurfaced clip showing Wicknell Chivayo's late wife, Lulu, praying in a private jet before takeoff while flaunting her designer footwear has deeply moved social media users following the couple's tragic death.
• A throwback video showing late billionaire Wicknell Chivayo surprising his wife, Lulu, with a custom-plated white Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has moved social media users following their tragic deaths.
• Months before his passing, Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo spent over R6.4 million on tailor-made designer outfits at a high-end overseas boutique, shocking many viewers.

Source: Briefly News