What should have been a peaceful summer break turned into heartbreak for family, friends, and the global rowing community.
Kerry Grundlingh, a rising star in both academics and athletics, lost her life in a tragic cycling accident while visiting her hometown of Johannesburg.
The 21-year-old Princeton University student was struck by a car while out cycling — a devastating incident confirmed by both Princeton Athletics and her former high school, St Mary’s School in Waverley.
Visiting Family Turned Tragic
Kerry had returned to South Africa for the American university summer holidays, hoping to enjoy time with her loved ones.
According to a statement from St Mary’s, she was spending her break with family and friends when the accident happened.
“Kerry lost her life in a cycling accident while visiting family and friends in Johannesburg during the American university summer holidays,” the school shared, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
A Star in the Water and the Classroom
Kerry wasn’t just any student. She was a standout rower at Princeton University, already a two-time Ivy League medalist by her sophomore year.
Her athletic career was marked by consistent success and quiet excellence.
In 2024, she helped her team claim bronze in the second varsity eight at the Ivy League Championships and later competed in the NCAA finals.
This year, she stepped into the top varsity boat, helping her team take gold at the Ivy League Championships and win the Petite Final at the NCAA Championships.
Remembered for Her Heart and Spirit
Beyond her athletic ability, Kerry left a lasting impression on everyone around her.
Princeton head coach Lori Dauphiny spoke with deep affection, describing her as someone who “constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others.”
“She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate,” Dauphiny said.
“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.”
A National-Level Competitor and Role Model
Kerry’s rowing journey didn’t stop at Princeton.
She also represented South Africa at the World Rowing Championships, where she stood out not only for her skill but for her quiet leadership and strong work ethic.
In a moving tribute on Facebook, Rowing South Africa praised Kerry’s sense of humour, her infectious laugh, and her deep commitment to excellence.
“She has left an unfillable space in those who had the honour of knowing her,” the organisation wrote.
A Legacy That Lives On
To those who knew her, Kerry was more than a talented athlete — she was a kind, humble, and grounded young woman with a bright future ahead.
Friends, teammates, and coaches alike have described her as a quiet force who led by example and made everyone around her better.
“The world has lost an amazing young woman,” Coach Dauphiny said simply.
Honouring Her Memory
As tributes continue to pour in, Kerry Grundlingh’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how one person’s light can shine so brightly across so many communities — at home, on campus, and on the world stage.