A popular ex-matriculant from Ridgeway College in Louis Trichardt, 18-year-old Miles de Swardt, died in a hospital in Polokwane on Tuesday, following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Monday.

Miles is the son of Dr Raymond de Swardt and his late wife, Me Thuli de Swardt. He would have been 19 on the 5th of July this year. He leaves behind his younger brother Brandon (14) and younger sister Crystal (8).

Miles de Swardt joined Ridgeway College in Louis Trichardt in 2002 and completed his HIGCSE exams at the end of last year. He was taking a gap year before deciding what direction his future would take. He was well liked by the staff and his peers.

The accident occurred on Monday near the Louis Trichardt High School, when Miles’s motorcycle collided with a vehicle.

He was seriously injured. Miles was transferred to a hospital in Polokwane, where he died on Tuesday morning.

Dr. Raymond de Swardt of Louis Trichardt, Miles’s father, this week expressed his sincere thanks for the overwhelming response from the community. "We thank everybody for the overwhelming love and support which we received during this difficult time," he said.

A service will be held at the St Martin Anglican Church on Friday at 15:30.