Tafelsig teen dies from chest pains at school
Tino Hannekom, 14.
Image: Supplied
A young boy, who had so much to live for, tragically passed away after complaining of severe chest pains on Monday while at school.
Tino Hannekom, 14, attended AZ Berman High School as a Grade 8 learner in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain.
His heartbroken father, Elton Hannekom, said that when he was informed that his son had been rushed to a nearby clinic, thoughts of not knowing whether his son would make it stormed through his mind as the tears rolled down his cheeks.
He explained: “He went to school and then he complained about something being wrong with his chest, he had severe pains in his chest. The first-aid guy checked out Tino, and then he said that he was in a lot of pain.
“Then the school took him to an aunt’s house, left him there, and told the aunt. She saw that he was in a bad state and rushed him to Tafelsig clinic.
“I only got notified through her at about 9.30am.”
He explained that Tino had a lung disease since birth and that he had been to Red Cross Children’s Hospital regularly.
Hannekom added: “I was driving when I got the news, trying to rush to him, not knowing if he was going to make it. There were tears running down my face while driving in traffic.”
Unfortunately, Tino sadly passed away.
The young boy, who still had his whole life ahead of him, said he wanted to be a carpenter like his father, however his dad advised him that it wouldn’t be safe due to his chest.
His father described his son as an amazing, friendly person who was loved by everyone.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Millicent Merton extended its heartfelt condolences to Hannekom’s family, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult time.
Merton said: “The WCED is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Grade 8 learner at AZ Berman High School yesterday morning.
“The learner experienced chest pains and was rushed to a medical facility, where he sadly passed away.”