A Sea Point woman lost her life while celebrating her 31st birthday with her family on Chapman’s Peak Drive on Sunday, December 2.
Jolandi le Roux had slipped and fallen over the edge at Lookout Point in the afternoon.
A massive rescue operation ensued, involving the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), the provincial department of health EMS ambulance and rescue squad, Cape Medical Response (CMR), the SA Police Services, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR), and the Air Mercy Service (AMS) Skymed rescue helicopter.
According to NSRI spokesman Craig Lambinon, the NSRI Kommetjie and NSRI Hout Bay were activated following eye-witness reports of a woman who had fallen down the cliff.
Both NSRI stations dispatched rescue vehicles. NSRI Kommetjie launched the sea rescue craft Spirit of the Vines and NSRI Hout Bay launched the sea rescue craft Albie Matthews.
“Rescuers were deployed to the scene on a cliff face below Lookout Point by the Skymed rescue helicopter, by NSRI sea rescue craft and WSAR and EMS in a high angle technical rescue operation and sadly she was found to have succumbed to injuries sustained in the fall.”
Ms Le Roux’s body was recovered and taken into the care of the Forensic Pathology Services.
Hout Bay police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Tanya Lesch, confirmed that an inquest docket was opened.
Messages of condolences poured in on social media for Ms Le Roux.
Her alma mater, Hoërskool Brackenfell High School, posted that Ms le Roux (nee De Villiers) had been a matric pupil in 2005 and had been a cross country runner.
“We ask you to bear her family and friends in your prayers,” they said.
Member of the Durbanville Athletics Club, Garry Wilford, posted: “Many of our members will remember Jolandi Le Roux (nee De Villiers) who started her adult running with our club. She was a member for a few years before taking up cycling and triathlons. I am saddened by her tragic passing on her birthday and wish to convey our condolences to her family at this sad time.”