The running community is in shock after Dezirée du Plessis, a 45-year-old mother of two from Pretoria, died on Friday morning following an accident at the Soweto Marathon last month.
Du Plessis was struck by a taxi on 29 November during the annual race and underwent emergency surgery for an intracranial haemorrhage. Despite medical efforts, she was unable to recover.
Her sister, Marijke Miller, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook:
"Dezzi breathed her last breath this morning and completed her race. She fought to the end but went soft and peaceful."
In support of Du Plessis during her critical condition, a BackaBuddy fundraising campaign raised over R330 000 to cover her medical costs. A fun run organised at the Run-A-Way store in Pretoria in her honour will still go ahead, despite her passing.
Authorities confirmed that the taxi driver involved, allegedly under the influence and ignoring metro police instructions, had been arrested for reckless and negligent driving.
Du Plessis, who previously ran events such as the City 2 City ultra-marathon in Pretoria, leaves behind a legacy of dedication and passion for long-distance running. Tributes continue to pour in from family, friends, and fellow runners, celebrating her spirit and resilience.