Heartbreaking bicycle accident: Boy succumbs to injuries
A proud and shattered mother tells about her son, his donations and his legacy.
The mother of the teenage boy (13) who passed away after he was knocked off his bicycle confirmed that his organs would be donated.
Ernest Storm (13) was cycling on Corlett Avenue at around 7pm on Wednesday 30 October when a vehicle knocked him over, causing severe head injuries. Despite the intervention of an advanced life support paramedic and treatment at Leratong Hospital, Ernest passed away on Thursday morning.
In the Record’s conversation with Colleen it was established that Ernest’s organs were to be harvested on Friday morning 1 November.
“Someone else might be saved by it,” Colleen told the Record, mentioning that it was a difficult decision but that they felt it was the right choice.
“He was a considerate child who loved language and cycling, and often assisted others in need.
“He was a good child with a good heart and I hope that whoever receives it will value those traits.”
Although they don’t have access to all the details, his parents were told that a young adult (21) and teenager are being considered to receive his heart and lungs.
A funeral date could not be confirmed, but the Record confirmed that Dr Dawie Ludik, husband of Ernest’s long-time daycare teacher Maureen at Sterretjie Nursery School, will be involved in the funeral arrangements. Maureen told the Record that Ernest’s funeral was to be held at the Pinkster Protestante Kerk in Silverfields.
“I am still so shocked,” Maureen said.”I basically raised the boy.” Ernest attended Sterretjie Nursery School since he was a year old and went to the daycare centre after school through most of his primary school years.
“Everyone has been very helpful and supportive to us throughout.
“Teachers Ina van den Heever and Margaret Visser and principal Noldi de Bruyn from Roodebeeck Primary School (that Ernest attended) deserve special mention,” Colleen explained.
Teachers from the school erected a cross for Ernest at the intersection where the accident occurred.
The Storm family do not hold a grudge against the motorist who knocked him from his bicycle, and believe it was an accident “that could have happened to anyone”.
“That could have been my husband or I,” Colleen said about the motorist.
“We harbour no negative feelings towards him. He stayed in constant contact with our family as events unfolded and is as shattered as we are.”
Ernest is survived by his mother, father and two sisters.
