It is with great sorrow that we have to inform you of the death of a first-year student from Laureus residence, Xavier Klein. Yesterday afternoon Xavier and two friends went for a swim at the Fanie du Toit swimming pool on the Potchefstroom Campus. After a couple of lengths Xavier mentioned that he had stomach ache, and sat on the side of the pool for a while. He started swimming again, and got into trouble.

His friends quickly observed that he was in trouble, and - together with students of the water polo team - got him out of the water, and immediately started with CPR. Emergency Services was nearby at the netball tournament, and responded within minutes. He was taken to MediClinic via ambulance, but unfortunately passed away late Saturday night. Once the post mortem has been conducted, the excact cause of death will be known.

The acting rector of the Potchefstroom Campus, Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, together with the house father of Laureus residence, Chris de Bruyn, assisted the family with travel and accommodation arrangements as well as counselling.

Prof Fika has applauded the cooperation of the various departments on the Potchefstroom Campus in the handling of the incident and requested everybody to carry the family and friends of Xavier in their prayers.

The vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi will also meet with Xavier’s parents.

Kind regards

Mr Louis Jacobs
Acting Executive Director: Institutional Advancement