Dominique Olivier, who is mourning the deaths of her husband and 2-year-old daughter after a truck collided with their car on the M3, says she is overwhelmed by the kindness of strangers.
The accident occurred on Friday afternoon, October 7, between Tokai and Ladies Mile roads.
According to the City’s Traffic Services Department, a truck with a trailer was travelling on the M3 outbound when its tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and move into the M3 inbound, colliding with three cars.
Ms Olivier’s husband, Jaendré, 38, was declared dead on the scene. Their daughter, Felix, 2, sustained serious injuries and was transported to the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.Two other people were injured in the accident.
“At the hospital it was established that she had multiple serious injuries, including a brain injury. Felix was taken off life support around 8pm on Friday night. We know she went straight to her daddy’s open arms in heaven,” Ms Olivier shared in a statement.
She says Jaendré leaves behind a void that no one will ever fill. “He was well-loved by everyone that met him. He had a massive heart and an infectious laugh and could fill a whole room with light just by entering it. His last days at home with his two girls were filled with laughter and happiness.”
Ms Olivier, of Bellville, said that she was at home with their six-week-old daughter, Florence, while Felix accompanied her father to visit his parents in Fish Hoek.
“Felix was a bright, cheerful little girl who was incredibly, deeply and unconditionally loved. She was the light of my life and the greatest gift I ever received. She loved her baby sister from the moment they met and wanted to hold and play with her at every opportunity. It breaks my heart to know that I will never witness the profoundly special relationship that would have developed between them.”
She says the only consolation she can take is that her husband and daughter are together, where they always wanted to be. And knowing that they were not grieving alone has really soothed their aching hearts.
“Thank you so much to all the residents of Tokai, Kirstenhof and surrounding areas who have reached out to me and my family and who have kept us in their thoughts and prayers. I have read each and every one of your messages. So many of you have asked if you can send food or other supplies to us, but to be honest we are stocked with everything we need right now.”
The family has created a fundraiser page on BackaBuddy to prepare for any needs they might have in the near future. If you would like to support their Jaendré and Felix Olivier campaign, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/dominique-olivier-5411526092718520150
