The Cape car community is quick to reach out when it comes to supporting petrolkoppe and their families, especially in these times of Covid and the losses coming to so many families.
And it’s not only the stars in the cars that count, although they tend to get into the news. It’s the loyal supporters who come to the shows and the races that count even more. Without fans, there would be no shows.
So when Andrea Jade Agulhas passed away recently at the age of 25, Vincent of Cape Crews Movement (CCM) and many other clubs were there to commemorate her life with a drive-by at her parents’ home in Strandfontein.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Andrea’s fiancé Kyle Pieters.
He says: “We both loved Killarney. Come the weekend, we would go to a park off or an event, or the MSA drags if that was happening. We loved to be around like-minded car enthusiasts and especially liked seeing and hearing audio builds in cars.”
The couple, who had been dating for almost five years, got engaged 18 months ago and were due to get married this year.
Kyle says: “Andrea was kind, loving, always smiling and willing to help. She would give 100% even if she wasn’t feeling 100%.”
Andrea, who had leukaemia and worked as the receptionist at Wynberg High School, passed away after having to go to hospital and contracting Covid there.
Bobby spoke to her mom Gloria Agulhas, who says: “Andrea was an amazing fun-loving daughter, we will miss her terribly. At the memorial, there were hundreds of people, all knowing her from different places ... the school, the track and more. It was obvious that she is loved by many.”
Vinny of CCM says: “I knew Andrea from the many car shows she would attend, we were very good friends. In fact, she had mentioned that she wanted a car convoy for her wedding, and we at CCM already had a surprise planned.”
Apparently Andrea was more into speed and spinning, and was a regular at the Wednesday night robot racing at Killarney.
Vinny says of the drive-by: “It was a full house, so many people came, all the neighbours came out on the street, there was some spinning and the lot.”
Kyle adds: “I would like to thank Vinny and the other crews for putting together this fitting tribute to Andrea.”
Andrea Jade Agulhas is remembered by her mom Gloria, dad Gregory, brother Kurt, sister Janis and fiancé Kyle.