Friends and family of South African veteran paddler and Berg River Canoe Marathon icon Giel van Deventer have received some closure as his body has been recovered.
The 72-year-old reportedly went missing and was presumed to have drowned while taking part in a race on the Breede River on Saturday. Canoeing South Africa released a statement via their social media which confirmed the tragic news.
“For the many paddlers and friends seeking closure to this weekend’s tragedy on the Breede, we can confirm that the police divers and rescue crews have managed to recover Giel van Deventer’s body this afternoon.”
Police divers had worked tirelessly in order to find van Deventer, but the outcome was not what friends and family had hoped for.
Canoeing South Africa noted how “grateful” they were for all their efforts, sending extra love to his friends and family during this heartbreaking time.
Our thoughts and prays are with the family at this time.
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Veteran SA paddler Giel van Deventer, 72, is missing and presumed drowned
Picture: Twitter/@BergRiverCanoe