South African rugby suffered a sudden loss on Friday after it emerged former Springbok Pedrie Wannenburg died in a tragic car accident at the age of 41.
The ex-Ulster and Bulls flanker was the victim of a car crash in Texas sparked by a teenager who was reportedly on the run from police. Three other members of Wannenburg's family were also in the vehicle, with his nine-year-old son, Francois, taken to hospital for surgery. His wife and daughter were also in the car but did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Harris County Sheriff, Ed Gonzalez, said a deputy had attempted to pull over a 16-year-old, only for the car to speed off, resulting in a high-speed chase. It's understood Wannenburg's car was near an intersection when the 16-year-old driver sped into the back of his vehicle.
