Wannenburg, who played 20 Tests for the Boks, was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Texas as a high-speed police chase resulted in a horror collision. His young son Francois was flown to the Texas Medical Center, which is about 30km from the accident scene.
Francois reportedly suffered serious head injuries, and was initially said to be in “critical” condition, but that has since improved.
“Francois is doing well, he is off the oxygen machine,” Pedrie’s younger brother, Callie, told Rapport in a WhatsApp message, adding that Francois had opened his eyes and was responding when people talked to him.
“He is stable and we’re very thankful.”
Wannenburg’s wife, Evette, and their 10-year-old daughter, Isabel, were also involved in the crash but escaped serious injuries.
According to local news station KHOU-11, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a deputy had attempted to pull over a teenage suspect, only for the car to speed away.
After failing to pull over, deputies say they were led on a short chase before the suspect’s vehicle went airborne and crashed into at least two other vehicles, one of which was that of Wannenburg.
According to the latest reports, the 16-year-old has been charged with “felony murder”, and will also face various other charges.
Tributes have poured in ever since the tragic news came to light, with many speaking about what a wonderful character Wannenburg was.
Former Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg sadly passed away in the USA this morning
“Pedrie gave all he had on the pitch, but afterwards always had a smile on his face” – Mr Mark Alexander
More here: https://t.co/YFGOdswyb3 pic.twitter.com/mjHeWQQqOi
— Springboks (@Springboks) April 23, 2022
Devastating news about the passing of @Springboks & @BlueBullsRugby Legend Pedrie Wannenburg
— Dallen Stanford
(@Dallen_Stanford) April 23, 2022
Devastated to wake up &
see messages of Pedrie’s passing, in the USA.
Our prayers go to his son, who is in ICU and his family.2 soldiers, 2 team mates present in this photo from 2004, now missing on earth.
Ettiene & now Pedrie#RIP #PedrieWannenburg pic.twitter.com/u6qr3oOyNE
— Warren Brosnihan (@WarrenBroz) April 23, 2022
So sad to hear the devastating news of Pedrie Wannenburg’s passing! Wishing his son a full and speedy recovery and sending condolences to the whole Wannenburg family!
— Joel Stransky (@stranners) April 23, 2022
Wannenburg, who played 99 consecutive matches for the Bulls between 2002 and 2010, had settled in the USA in 2016, when he became one of the first high-profile South Africans to play on the country’s professional circuit for the Denver Stampede.
His family then relocated to Austin, where he worked in refrigeration and coached at local club West Houston Lions.
The Bulls released the following statement:
The Bulls mourn the loss of a Loftus Versfeld legend and ex-Springbok, Pedrie Wannenburg, who sadly lost his life in a motor vehicle accident in the early hours of Saturday morning in the United States of America, where he was currently based.
Wannenburg, 41, was an instrumental member of the Vodacom Bulls team between 2002 and 2010 where he amassed over 100 Vodacom Super Rugby caps for the side. During his time with the side, he also
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