Hillcrest High School in mourning after second former pupil’s unexpected death

The family of a Durban woman who had been working as a chef in Atlanta in the US has made an appeal for donations to help bring her body back to South Africa.

Phethile Khumalo, who launched the crowdfunding campaign, said Sinethezekile “S’nety” Khumalo fell ill on Friday and died unexpectedly on Sunday.

“S’nety was a bubbly, caring and outgoing person. To know her was to love her and she was deeply loved. She had loved food since she was a baby, and from a young age you would always find her making something experimental and exceptional.

“It started with mud pies in the garden and led to real pies in the kitchen: apple pie, lemon meringue, pecan pie, you name it, she probably made it. After completing her culinary studies, she followed her passion and dream of living and working in the US as a chef.

“She fell ill on July 11 and passed away very suddenly on July 13,” she said.

Khumalo said the family was devastated by the loss.

“We were not prepared for anything like this to happen, specially to someone so young and healthy. Her illness came on abruptly, and after three days and a few hours in hospital she was gone. Everyone, including the medical professionals who treated her, are shocked by her sudden passing. The cause of her illness has not yet been conclusively determined.

Close to R27,000 of the R180,000 target has been raised since the campaign went live on BackABuddy on Tuesday

“We are seeking assistance and support through donations to bring her remains back home so she can be laid to rest and honoured with a dignified service. This will allow all who loved her the opportunity to say a final goodbye. Please consider helping S’nety’s family by donating,” she said.

Close to R27,000 of the R180,000 target has been raised since the campaign went live on BackABuddy on Tuesday.

Hillcrest High School, where Khumalo matriculated in 2016, said July was a devastating month for the families of some past pupils and staff.

“S’nety, as she was known to friends and family, matriculated from Hillcrest High School in 2016 and had pursued her lifelong passion to become a chef by studying at 1000 Hills Chef’s School before moving to the US to work as a chef in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We extend our most sincere condolences to her family and friends and to all who knew and loved her. S’nety is remembered as a lively, outgoing, and caring person, and was a member of the school’s gospel choir throughout her time at Hillcrest High.

“Her sudden and very unexpected passing has left her family shocked and devastated and we would like to call on the Hillcrest High School community, past pupils and friends of Hillcrest High to not only keep the Khumalo family in their thoughts and prayers at this time, but also to assist the family in bringing her back home,” the school said on its official Facebook page.

The school community was also mourning the death of Paige Bell, who was murdered by a fellow crew member on a superyacht in the Bahamas.