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Yet again we morn the tragic death of a well known local Kitesurfer at Milnerton River Mouth on Saturday afternoon.We all know that the North Westers are gusty and often come with sqwalls. The wind was averaging 15knots gusting 22. A sudden squall came through gusting up to 35knots at times with heavy sheets of rain. The majority of the kitesufers on the water tried to delaunch their kites. Tragically one kitesurfer not to be named at this point due to family members being notified first, was trying to delaunch his kite on the beach in front of the Hotel on Milnerton mouth. Unfortunately he hurriedly tried to dump his kite without assistance. He misjudged the distance and landed his kite over the pathway onto the Hotel grass facing the sea. Obviously realizing he was to close to the hotel he tried to bring his kite back up again. It caught the gust and lifted him off the beach and slammed him into the only rock along the pathway, causing fatal internal injuries to his chest and head. He was wearing a helmet at the time. His kite was later found on top of the hotel roof caught up in TV Arial.
To all those kitesurfers on the beach at the time, thank you for all your support and to the gentleman who desparately tried to revive the Kitesurfer with mouth to mouth.
It took the medical response crew over 25 minutes to respond.....DISGUSTING and APPAULING. We will always be left wondering if they could have saved his life if they were there sooner.Although they tried invane to revive him he was declared dead an hour after the accident occured.
Our hearts go out to his wife and family and close friends.
There are so many lessons to be learned from this tragic accident.
I can only start naming a few. NW are gusty and onshore. Only experienced Kitesurfers should challenge these conditions. Check your gear and make sure you know where your quick release is. Forget the kite and save your life.
Please do not use this topic to discuss what we should be doing or what we can do, but please respect those who have lost a loved one and a friend and post your condolences on this forum.

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Tragic tragic news. My condolences to his family.

It makes us all realise how easily accidents can happen - and unfortunately as the winds increase (especially in onshore conditions near buildings) so do the risk for fatalities.

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Founding member - iKiteboarding.com

It was a hectic day at rivermouth we lost one of are fellow kiters i would like to thank rob from cabrinha and rory from best these two guys tried to revive him but they were unsucessful thanks guys and R.I.P mate and all regards to the wife and son

Luke

Just got informed it was mentioned on ETV news. Somehow one always thinks that deaths only happen "elsewhere" - quite a shock to have such a tragedy here at home. A sad day for all.

http://www.ewn.co.za/articleprog.aspx?id=15332

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Founding member - iKiteboarding.com

Terrible News....
Condolences

And take care out there!

Ced

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www.cannonrocks.com/blog

To the friends and Family of our fellow kiter:
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Our thaughts are with you.

ML

Brad Symington and the Kites Nest, Downwindshuttle Family.

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Sad news, another loss for our kiting sport. Condolence to his family and may he rest in peace.

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kiteboards are the best!

A tragic loss for us and his family. May his soul fly the high winds that grace the shores of Heaven.

peace be with you brother.

 

In all fairness 2 the medical crew....i would like 2 say that there was an extreme ammount of confusion and panic....and according 2 the manager at wang thai who i went 2 thank 2day...also 4 their assistence  they were put thro 2 the town branch initially as the team was at another emergency site.....when they arrived they were incredibly efficient and dealt with the whole situation and after situation with total responsiveness and sensitivity. I think that all of us who were there will agree that in this particular case their timing made no difference 2 the outcome and on behalf of us all I thank them 4 what they did do......also wish 2 thank  the guys who kept me talking 2 our kitefriend throughout...i really hope he heard me and knew we were there 4 him.......We are here 4 you Lee....Be strong     Carolina       

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Caroline