The South African and international sporting communities are mourning the tragic death of Kerry Grundlingh, a talented young rower and economics student at Princeton University, who died in a cycling accident while visiting Johannesburg during her summer break.
Grundlingh, 21, was struck by a car while cycling in her hometown.
The incident was confirmed by both Princeton Athletics and her alma mater, St Mary’s School, Waverley, where she matriculated in 2022.
“Kerry lost her life in a cycling accident while visiting family and friends in Johannesburg during the American university summer holidays,” the school said in a statement.
An athlete of exceptional promise
Grundlingh had distinguished herself both academically and athletically.
As a member of Princeton’s open water rowing team, she was a two-time Ivy League medallist and competed at the NCAA Championships in both her freshman and sophomore years.
In 2024, she was part of the second varsity eight that took bronze at the Ivy League Championships and later finished sixth at the NCAAs.
This year, she rowed in the first varsity eight, winning gold at Ivies and securing victory in the Petite Final at NCAAs.
“She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate,” said Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny.
“Kerry constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her parents, Debbie and Francois, her brother James, and all her family and friends around the globe.”
National recognition
Grundlingh also represented South Africa at the World Rowing Championships, earning widespread respect for her discipline, dedication, and quiet leadership.
In a heartfelt tribute on Facebook, Rowing South Africa said she had left “an unfillable space in those who had the honour of knowing her,” highlighting her dry sense of humour, infectious laugh, and deep commitment to high performance.
A life remembered
Friends, coaches, and team-mates have remembered Grundlingh as a quiet force, a gifted athlete, and a warm, humble presence both on and off the water.
“The world has lost an amazing young woman,” Princeton’s Dauphiny said.
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