Tributes pour in for slain Rhinos player
Rainer was described as a ‘loving and funny’ gentleman.
THE Zululand rugby fraternity is still reeling from shock following the tragic death of Rhinos rugby player Rainer Wellmann on Saturday morning.
The 23-year-old Empangeni lad was accidentally shot while hunting for bush pigs with a group of friends on a farm outside Melmoth.
He was rushed to KwaMagwase hospital after sustaining a shotgun wound and was declared dead on arrival.
The loose forward for the Rhinos first team had returned from the United States earlier this year, where he worked as a farm manager and also played rugby.
Zululanders took to social media platforms to express their grief with Rainer being described as a ‘loving and funny’ gentleman, who would be sorely missed.
‘I can’t believe that you are gone. You were such an amazing person, friend and a true gentleman with so much to offer the world. I have the fondest memories of our times together. I feel so privileged to have known you. You will be greatly missed and I know that your wonderful spirit will live on in the hearts of many,’ said Casey McNaught.
‘The world is a little less funny without you in it. You were a true gentleman and a beautiful soul. We will love and miss you always. Rest easy my friend,’ Ash Scheepers said.
‘This is so sad. Our condolences to his family and prayers to the person who accidentally shot him,’ Marlene Thiart Travis wrote on the ZO Facebook page.
‘Plans were made about three days ago to have a few beers next week mate and catch up a bit. I was so looking forward to it. You will forever be missed my man and your legacy will live forever. You are and will always stay a legit dude,’ commented Lionel and GarethViljoen.
