Beloved sportsman dies in crash

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Tributes continue to pour in for well-known and much-loved sports enthusiast Elrich 'Ellie' Juries (44), whose life was tragically cut short in a vehicle collision on Sunday 3 May.

Ellie, widely respected for his passion for sport and commitment to his community, died in a collision with a truck on the N2 near the Crags while returning home.

His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the local sporting fraternity and beyond, with many remembering him as a devoted family man and a pillar of encouragement to young athletes.

Police confirm fatal collision
Southern Cape police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies confirmed that a culpable homicide case has been opened.

"Circumstances surrounding the death of a man on the N2 highway near the Crags are under investigation," said Spies.

"Reports available at this stage indicate that police were dispatched to the scene on Sunday 3 May at about 22:30. Upon arrival, members found two vehicles, a truck and a sedan, which had collided.

One of the occupants had sustained serious injuries and was declared dead by paramedics on the scene."

Plettenberg Bay police are continuing their investigation.

Sporting community pays tribute
In a moving tribute, Junior Athletic FC described Ellie as far more than just a presence on the field. "Today, we mourn the loss of a true legend, a man known and loved by many of us as Ellie," the club shared.

"He was more than just a familiar face on the sports field - he was a brother, a friend, a father, and a guiding force in the lives of so many people."

Plett Junior Rugby Development also honoured Ellie's unwavering support for youth sport in New Horizons.

"One of the very few who always stood firmly behind our club in New Horizons. Thank you for the encouragement you poured into our youngsters - those words meant everything, and they'll carry them with them for life. You were more than just a supporter… you were a whole vibe."

Family tributes and final moments
According to his wife Olivia, a school teacher, Ellie had gone to the Crags to deliver a television. She said she tried calling him several times during the evening, but he did not answer. She said she made her final call at around 22:00, after which his phone went straight to voicemail.

"I couldn't sleep and continued marking my [school] work," she said.

At about 02:00 on Monday morning, she received the devastating call from Ellie's uncle informing her of the accident.

"We went to the accident scene and upon arrival, just seeing the car, I knew that there was no way that my husband would have survived. It was bad. His body was already removed from the wreck," she said.

"I never realised until now the impact Ellie had made in so many people's lives. People that I don't even know have been calling me and messaging me."

A mother's grief
Ellie's mother, Margareth Juries, said she is heartbroken and shattered. "I will have to live with this loss and pain for many years to come," she said.

Ellie and Olivia have two sons, Ezequiel (14) and Othniel (10).

It is understood that the driver of the truck, which was travelling to Gqeberha, survived the collision unscathed. He reportedly claimed that he swerved to avoid Ellie's car, but that it was not sufficient to avoid the collision.

Ellie's funeral is due to take place on Saturday 16 May. The place and time will be announced in due course.

A man who lived for his family. From left to right, are: Olivia Juries, Othniel Juries(10), Elrich 'Ellie' Juries (44) and Ezequiel Juries (14). Photo: Olivia Juries