The GCN visited the grieving family on Thursday, to talk to his parents, Pieter and Hester.<\/p>\n Pieter told the GCN that at the moment everything feels unreal, but they know they have to pick up the pieces and carry on.<\/p> He said that from what he understands of the events of the day, Christiaan was on his way to buy a cold drink and was crossing Parnell Road, at the zebra crossing, just outside the school.<\/p>\n “Witnesses said that a taxi stopped for him to cross, but, as he was walking, a woman in another vehicle did not stop and her car hit him,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n Christiaan was critically injured and needed assistance to breathe, and had to be airlifted to the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where he died later that day.<\/p>\n William Ntladi, the media liaison officer for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services, said: “Upon arrival of the Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, the boy was diagnosed with severe head injuries and possible chest fractures by the paramedics on scene.<\/p>\n “The helicopter had to be landed on the school sports grounds, in order to transport the child to hospital.”<\/p>\n Pieter told the GCN that the EMPD and emergency services were excellent on the scene.<\/p>\n “We especially thank Netcare 911 and an off-duty paramedic, who stopped to assist Christiaan,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n After the accident Christiaan’s family were notified and they rushed to the scene.<\/p>\n One of Christiaan’s friends, Ruan Ackermann, a matric pupil at Ho\u00ebrskool Elspark, stayed with Christiaan’s parents and assisted them until they got to the hospital.<\/p>\n Pieter told the GCN that Christiaan suffered severe brain trauma, an injury to his head and multiple bruises.<\/p>\n After conducting numerous tests he was declared brain dead at about 2.15pm.<\/p>\n “There was one small consolation, in that we were told, at the hospital, that Christiaan’s end was more than likely immediate,” said Pieter.<\/p>\n “I wouldn’t have wanted him to suffer.<\/p>\n “This is very difficult; no parent should have to bury a child.”<\/p>\n After they were told that Christiaan was brain dead, his parents decided to donate Christiaan’s organs.<\/p>\n “I am an organ donor myself and Christiaan and I had discussed it and he said he would also like to donate his organs someday,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n “We decided that his tragic death could, perhaps, help other people by giving them life.”<\/p>\n Pieter described Christiaan as an enthusiastic, friendly, quiet child, an average scholar, who was very good at rugby and aspired to be an aircraft designer.<\/p>\n He played the position of wing for both his school and for the Germiston Simmer Rugby Club.<\/p>\n “He loved to make jokes and was always full of beans,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n “He never got into fights and was just a normal 17-year-old, full of nonsense, who enjoyed life.”<\/p>\n Christiaan’s siblings, brothers Pieter (12) and Dewald (10), and sister Xonia (7), are distraught at the loss of their brother.<\/p>\n “Last night I showed Xonia the stars and said that’s where Christiaan is now, looking down on us,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n He has arranged counselling for the children.<\/p>\n With regard to the woman who knocked Christiaan over, Pieter told the GCN that it is not going to help them being angry with her.<\/p>\n “Anger is not going to bring our son back; we will now let the law take its course,” he said.<\/p>\n “Every day when she sees a child, or drives past a school, she is going to remember the accident and she must live with this.<\/p>\n “That is going to be her biggest punishment.”<\/p>\n The family thanks Ho\u00ebrskool Elsburg for holding a memorial service for Christiaan on Thursday morning, and for all the support staff and pupils at the school have given the family.<\/p>\n “They have gone above and beyond with their support,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n He also thanks Ram Couriers, the company for which he and Hester work and who have supported them all the way and are taking care of the funeral costs.<\/p>\n “I had managers from the company constantly at my side at the hospital and I thank them for their great support and assistance,” Pieter said.<\/p>\n He added that the family has also experienced an incredible outpouring of support from the community, which they really appreciate.<\/p>\n Christiaan’s funeral will be held at the NG Kerk Elsburg Central at 11am on Thursday (February 13).<\/p>\n Lieut Col Zonele Patrick Qangase, acting station commander for the Elsburg SAPS, told the GCN that a case has been registered with them and they are currently investigating the incident.<\/p>\n “The investigations will lead us to see whether an arrest should be made or not,” he said.<\/p>\n Also see: Tributes pour in for Christiaan<\/a><\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2014\/02\/06gmchri2_521391254.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a><\/a>