Award-winning South African musician Danny K is mourning the death of his wife, advocate Lisa Koppel, who has died at the age of 41.

The musician confirmed on the weekend that Lisa had died following a three-year battle with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis the family had kept private until now.

Taking to Instagram, Danny K, whose real name is Daniel Koppel, revealed that his wife was diagnosed with the disease in November 2023.

“From that moment, she fought with extraordinary strength and determination. Together with our family, we searched for hope in South Africa and around the world, pursuing every treatment and every opportunity available to us,” he wrote.

The family travelled both locally and internationally seeking treatment options, but despite their efforts, Lisa succumbed to the illness over the weekend.

Law runs in the family

Lisa was the daughter of well-known celebrity divorce attorney Billy Gundelfinger and followed her father into the legal profession, though she forged her own path.

Before entering law, she worked as a model. She later obtained her LLB degree through the University of South Africa and was admitted as an advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 2010.

Her legal career saw her complete pupillage at the Maisels Chambers of the Johannesburg Bar before she joined her father’s practice. At the time of her death, she was an associate at Billy Gundelfinger Attorneys, where she had worked since June 2020.

Lisa also showed entrepreneurial flair, launching Running Bear Moccasins, a children’s footwear brand she created after becoming a mother.

Three children left behind

Danny K and Lisa married in 2012 at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West in the Western Cape. The couple have three children: sons Jayden and Kyle, and daughter Chloe.

In his tribute, the musician described the profound impact of the loss on the family.

“I have lost the wife I worshipped, our three children have lost an extraordinary mother, and her family and friends have lost someone they deeply loved,” he wrote.

The family has asked for prayers and privacy as they navigate their grief.

Turning pain into purpose

Danny K revealed that Lisa had deliberately kept her illness private to shield her children from unwanted attention and sympathy. However, she had hoped to one day use her experience to help others.

“Lisa hoped that one day she would use her experience to raise awareness of this disease and help others through early detection. She never got that opportunity. Our family will now carry that purpose forward in her name,” the musician wrote.

In sharing Lisa’s story, Danny K drew attention to updated screening guidelines for colorectal cancer. While screening was traditionally recommended for those aged 50 and above, international guidelines now suggest routine screening should begin at 45 for individuals at average risk.

The family is now committed to honouring Lisa’s memory by raising awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection.