A promising 17 year-old South African cyclist was tragically killed after an automobile driver opened the vehicle’s door directly into the path of the rider on Tuesday 11 June 2024.

Calib de Kock (Phoenix Cycling Club) passed away due to severe head injuries after he crashed into the door of a Mercedes-Benz that was parked roadside in the affluent Cape Town suburb of Sea Point.

Police believe de Kock was on a training ride when the Mercedes-Benz driver allegedly opened his door directly in front of the teen who immediately collided with the door, throwing de Kock violently to the ground where he struck his head.

First responders and paramedics were quick to arrive on scene and performed emergency life-saving measures before transporting de Kock to Christiaan Barnard Hospital, where he passed away. Police did not reveal if de Kock was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

An up-and-coming racer, de Kock was a frequent competitor in the Killarney Criterium series and participated in the famous Cape Town Cycle Tour last March. Race organizer Myriad Events posted to social media, “It is with great sorrow that we hear about the passing of Caleb de Kock in a totally unnecessary accident today in Sea Point. He was a promising youngster who put his heart and soul into his cycling, and life in general. A wonderful guy who will be missed by all of us. RIP Caleb”

At press time no charges had been filed against the automobile driver, with police continuing to investigate the incident.

Photo Credit: Facebook/MyriadEventsSA

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