CAPE TOWN – The Durbanville community are in mourning after they heard the tragic news that one its residents, Zac Barends, had sadly taken his own life Wednesday 11 March.
The news was announced during Stellenberg High School’s assembly that Wednesday morning which confirmed that one of their former Grade 9 learners had passed away.
Barends was only 14-years old.
He is also the son of famous television personality and host Isabel Barends.
Her son was found to be unresponsive in his bedroom by his parents that Wednesday morning before school after his alarm for school went off and kept ringing.
According to his mother he never suffered from depression.
Schools pay respects
Stellenberg High School expressed their condolences towards the Barends family on their Instragram page on Thursday 12 March stating that: ‘it is with great sadness that Stellenberg High School said goodbye to Zac Barends today. Words feel scarce, and our tears are many.’
Gene Louw Primary school, which he also attended, also expressed to their deepest sympathies towards the Barends family on their Facebook page that same day, stating: ‘may God be with you during this difficult time. Our sincere sympathy to the Barends family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.’
There will be a memorial service for Barends at the Logos Christian Church in Bellville on Wednesday 18 March.
NovaNews tried contacting the Barends family but could not receive any comment before the time of publication.
If you, or someone you know is suffering from depression or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 082 787 6542.
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