Rest in peace, Keanu
IN MEMORY OF: Keanu Knight, 17 IN MEMORY OF: Keanu Knight, 17
An emotional memorial service was held for 17-year-old “Brave Heart” Keanu Knight at his high school on Friday.
The teen died last week, while his family was busy raising nearly R1 million for a life-saving heart transplant, which was set to take place later this year.
Keanu was laid to rest on Saturday and his coffin was accompanied by a fleet of bikers, who had volunteered to escort him to his matric ball in December.
On Friday, staff and pupils at Cafda School of Skills held an emotional tribute for Keanu, who was in his final year.
The school quad was decorated with beautiful white and purple linen draping.
Photographs of Keanu were bordered by special messages from his classmates, calling him a “Brave Knight”.
Keanu passed away last Monday at Red Cross Children’s Hospital surrounded by family and friends.
His heartbroken mom, Amanda Levack, 41, told the Daily Voice her son was brave till the end, embracing death peacefully.
Keanu, who had a rare heart condition, was admitted to hospital a week before his death as his organs began failing.
One of his teachers, Janelle Frantz, read out a tribute written by their principal, Aneez Manuels.
GRAVE: Laid to rest on Saturday
“Keanu joined our family in 2015 and little did we know of the impact he would have and how profoundly he would touch our lives,” he said.
“His short but significant stay at our school has left an indelible mark on the lives he has touched. Today, we pay tribute to a remarkable soul who has invited us to travel together with him on his journey.”
Classmates and teachers also performed songs and presented flowers to Amanda, who cried throughout.
The mom said she “had peace” knowing her son was loved by so many.
TRIBUTE: Farewell messages written to the 'Brave Knight' by his classmates
Sharing a photograph taken of Keanu on his confirmation last year, where he is dressed in a black suit and releasing a dove, she said: “The picture was taken last year and a friend sent it to me a day after he passed away, it’s truly a beautiful photograph of my son.”
Keanu’s heart rate was at only 16 percent, which meant it was failing and he was in desperate need of a transplant which would cost a whopping R900 000 and would include rehabilitation.
The teen was born with a heart defect known as Double Outlet Right Ventricle, a rare condition where the heart has three chambers instead of four.