Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Sunshine. This is how friends and family describe Benjamin Bezuidenhout, who succumbed in a tragic snorkelling incident off the Greek coast last week.
The 20-year-old former Knysna High School learner was working on a catamaran for a boat company at the time.
It is believed that he went snorkelling in the sea north of the town of Sami, on the island of Kefalonia, last Thursday. When he didn't return, the alarm was raised and a search ensued.
According to Greek authorities the Hellenic Coast Guard, private vessels, a diver, and an Hellenic Air Force helicopter participated in the search.
His body was, however, found in the water near where they were anchored in the gulf of Sami the following morning.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear.
Tributes
Since news of his passing broke, tributes to him from near and far have been flooding in, as Bezuidenhout touched many lives during his short life. One part of him that stood out among the hundreds of tributes, was that he was "sunshine" personified.
"No one can ever forget a connection with pure sunshine in human form," one friend commented.
Benjamin Bezuidenhout 'became this awesome young man that always had a smile on his face'. Photo: Supplied
"It is so rare to come across an energy that fills the entire environment with light, love and positivity. Ben touched so many people's hearts with just his smile alone," she continued.
"Ben was a ray of sunshine," another friend commented. While another said: "If you could bottle up liquid sunshine and put it into a human that would have been Ben. Ben was this constant light that always shines bright."
"He was honestly such a ray of sunshine and I think I speak for everyone when I say that meeting him has changed my life and gave me a more positive outlook on life.
"I prayed for his safety the moment I heard that they were searching, but I guess that God also wanted his ray of sunshine back," another friend said.
'Lighthouse'
Another friend said: "I want to celebrate your life that shone brightly with optimism and kindness. Ben was more than just a ray of sunshine; he was a beacon of positivity that touched the lives of everyone around him.
"His infectious smile and unwavering positivity made even the darkest days seem a little brighter. He was the lighthouse we all needed in the dark."
Benjamin's father Jaen Bezuidenhout agreed, and said that this was how he grew up. Their family's motto has always been bringing positive vibes, helping those in need and never preying on the weak. "He became this awesome young man that always had a smile on his face despite his struggles and inner turmoil. He was literally a ray of sunshine," Jaen said.
He added that his son was also always ready for adventure and to share a laugh. He said that the two of them were very close.
'Adventurous life'
"We did everything together. He was my wingman. We did kitesurfing together, we surfed together, we did wakeboarding together, we spearfished together. He lived a very adventurous life. We loved living life."
Knysna High School also posted a tribute to Bezuidenhout, and teachers commented about his respectfulness and constant smile.
His stepmother Marisha Bezuiden-hout thanked everyone for their support, prayers, messages and offers of assistance. "We really appreciate it so deeply. Our hearts are broken," she said.
Celebration
His mother Lualle Lessing posted a tribute to her son: "You lived in the sea and you died in the sea, but you will forever keep living in my heart."
He is survived by his father, mother, stepmother and two sisters Abbigail (18) and Tehillah (14).
A celebration of his life will be held at Buffels Bay Main Beach at 11:00 on Sunday 21 July. Those who want to join it are asked to bring along a picnic basket with food to share, wetsuits and surfboards or floating devices.
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