Hermanus family of four identified after fatal N2 crash

Update

HEIDELBERG NEWS - The family of four who died as a result of the tragic N2 crash near Heidelberg on 7 July has been identified as a family from Hermanus.

Hermanus Primary School and Hermanus High School paid tribute to the four on their Facebook pages yesterday, 10 July, and this morning, 11 July, respectively, identifying them as Lara (44), Rudi (42), Izak (13) and Ruan (20) van Jaarsveldt.

The crash, involving a Toyota minibus and a white SUV in which the family was travelling, occurred eight kilometres outside of Heidelberg and saw Lara and Rudi declared dead at the scene.

Their sons were rushed to Riversdale Hospital, where Izak died later that day. It is understood that Ruan was transported to Tygerberg Hospital, where he was declared dead on Wednesday morning 8 July.

One passenger from the minibus, Michele Lombard (34), was also declared dead at the scene. She had been a resident of the Eljada Aftercare Centre in Oudtshoorn, a facility that cares for adults with intellectual disabilities, for the past 15 years.

Hermanus Primary School posted on its page that Izak had been a Grade Six learner and asked that the public keep their family in their thoughts and prayers.

Ruan and Izak van Jaarsveldt. Photo: Supplied

Hermanus High School posted that Ruan had matriculated in 2024.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the Van Jaarsveldt family as they come to terms with the profound loss of Rudi, Lara, Izak and Ruan.”

The school said it especially kept the friends and classmates of Izak and friends of Ruan in its thoughts and prayers, and prayed for strength for everyone who loved them.

It said a memorial service will be held for the family at the Dutch Reformed Church in Onrusrivier at 10:00 on 17 July.

Rudi, Izak and Ruan van Jaarsveldt. Photo: Supplied

A family member, Deoné van Jaarsveldt, posted the following on her Facebook page on 10 July: “With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our beloved family. Although the pain is great and our sorrow runs deep, we are grateful for the love, memories and precious moments we were blessed to share together. Rest in peace, our beloved family, until we meet again.”

The family of the van Jaarsveldts have extended their thanks to a doctor at Riversdale Hospital, known to them only as Dr Louw.

They said the doctor had worked on both Ruan and Izak and that she had been extremely supportive and helpful.

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