Barry Steenkamp, the father of Reeva Steenkamp, has passed away at the age of 80.
The Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation shared the news of his passing on its Facebook page, revealing that Barry peacefully passed away in his sleep on the evening of 14 September 2023.
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‘It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Barry Steenkamp in his sleep on the early evening of 14 September 2023,’ the post read.
The statement expressed gratitude for the love and fond memories he left behind.
According to TimesLive, Barry had been in poor health for some time, having suffered a stroke in 2013.
According to the foundation’s statement, Barry’s passing has brought solace in the belief that he has reunited with his beloved daughter, Reeva.
Tragedy struck the Steenkamp family in 2013 when Reeva Steenkamp lost her life on Valentine’s Day.
She was fatally shot by her partner, former Paralympian Oscar Pistorius, while standing behind the closed door of his bathroom.
Pistorius consistently maintained that he believed Reeva was an intruder. Initially, he was found guilty of culpable homicide, but this verdict was later overturned by the Supreme Court of Appeal, and a murder conviction was handed down.
News24 previously reported that, during Pistorius’ parole hearing in March, Barry Steenkamp provided a victim-impact statement that left a profound emotional impact.
He shared that he struggled to sleep at night and couldn’t find closure until the truth surrounding that fateful night was revealed. Barry’s one wish before his passing was for Pistorius to disclose ‘exactly what happened on that night’ to the family.
In recent developments, Pistorius has taken his case to the Constitutional Court, marking a continued legal battle that has spanned years.
Our sincere condolences go out to Barry’s loved ones during this difficult time.
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