TRAGIC END TO GRADUATION CELEBRATION
Two sisters killed in horrific accident
At the graduation were, from left, Caitlin Jade Poonawassy (their cousin), Storm Moodley, Keeran Poonawassy (Caitlin's brother), Connor and Cassidy Moodley.
Image: Supplied
A KAAPSE trip to celebrate their cousin’s graduation turned into a nagmerrie for the Moodley family from Johannesburg.
On their way home on Sunday, three sisters Cassidy, 23, Connor, 25, and 27-year-old Storm Moodley were involved in a horrific car accident in the Northern Cape which claimed the lives of Cassidy and Connor.
Speaking to IOL, their uncle and family spokesperson, Lance Poonawassy, said the loss was a devastating blow to the small and close-knit family.
He explained: “It was my son’s graduation at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). We had such a wonderful day celebrating.
“They are just five cousins, we’re quite a small family, and they really wanted to celebrate with him, and drove to Cape Town.”
Poonawassy confirmed that the accident occurred in the Klein Karoo, approximately 30 kilometres outside Britstown.
He explained: “Connor was driving back home…
“We do know that Connor and Cassidy were flung out of the car and died en route to hospital.
“Storm sustained injuries to her face and body. A passer-by saw the accident and gave Storm their cellphone to call her mother. It was a traumatic phone call for my sister to hear her daughters were in an accident.”
Poonawassy also confirmed that Storm, who had been in a critical condition in hospital, has since been discharged.
Connor and Cassidy's funeral is expected to take place on Saturday at a church in Florida, followed by a cremation in Braamfontein.
Janene Moodley with her daughters, Cassidy, Connor, and Storm.
Image: Facebook/Janene Moodley
“Storm will be recovering at home. She is a bit battered and bruised, but she is home,” he said.
Poonawassy says the girls’ mom, his sister Janene, is struggling to cope with the death of her two daughters.
He said: “It has always just been my sister Janene and her three daughters. She is struggling right now but the family is rallying around her and helping her through this tough time.”
He said that Connor and Cassidy were well-loved, adding: “My nieces were bubbly, caring and loving girls. Everyone who met them, loved them. Cassidy was a primary school teacher, Connor was a personal assistant and Storm works at Investec. Connor and Cassidy will be missed.”