By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Former Springbok loose-forward Pedrie Wannenburg has been killed in a car accident in Texas, his former South African franchise the Vodacom Bulls said on Saturday.
Wannenburg, 41, played 20 times for the Boks between 2002 and 2007, and was close to being selected for the World Cup-winning squad in France.
He also turned out for Irish side Ulster and French club Castres before settling in the United States in 2016.
He died when a 16-year-old driver led police on a high-speed chase and crashed into the back of Wannenburg’s car at an intersection, according to local media.
His wife and two children were in the vehicle with him but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
Three vehicles were involved, and seven people were taken away for treatment.
Wannenburg and one of the children in his vehicle were flown to the hospital. Wannenburg was later pronounced dead.
The flanker was the first to play 100 matches for the Bulls in Super Rugby and won three titles with the Pretoria-based side in 2007, 2009 and 2010.
Condolences and tributes have poured in for Wannenburg after the ex-Springbok and Vodacom Bulls star died in a car crash in the USA.
We are devastated at the passing of Vodacom Bulls legend Pedrie Wannenburg.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Wannenburg family ? pic.twitter.com/ePecg3nSYU
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 23, 2022
We say it everyday people,life is so short,make the most of every moment with your loved ones and appreciate your good friends,thinking of Pedrie’s family in this very difficult time ??
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) April 23, 2022