Well-known amputee athlete Xolani Luvuno has died.
His mentor, Hein Venter, wrote in a Facebook post on Monday night that Luvuno had been “a son to me, a friend to many and a hero to all who were inspired by your incredible bravery and appreciated your humility”.
He did not reveal the circumstances of Luvuno's death, only saying “this ending was all so unnecessary”.
Venter also confirmed the news to TimesLIVE, describing Luvuno as somebody who “loved life” and was generous in everything he did.
Luvuno's inspirational life story gripped the hearts of many South Africans. The former beggar and drug addict became a prominent athlete who ran the Comrades Marathon, among other races.
When Venter met Luvuno in 2016, he was homeless and battling substance addiction. His leg had been amputated seven years before due to cancer. He later credited Venter with turning his life around.