The wife of former South Africa head coach Peter de Villiers was found dead on Monday after reportedly drowning in a swimming pool.
Theresa de Villiers' body was reportedly discovered by a relative floating in the pool on Monday. It's understood she was visiting family in Fairview, Gqeberha, when the tragedy occurred, less than three years after the couple lost their daughter to cancer..
South African outlets reported emergency workers declared the 62-year-old dead after arriving on the scene. Herald Live said De Villiers—the first non-white person to coach the Springboks—was believed to be in Paarl at present and was "unable to talk about what had happened."
“The deceased is from Paarl but was visiting family in Gqeberha," said police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg. "She was found in the pool by a family member. The circumstances surrounding the drowning is under investigation."
Monday's events unfolded after the De Villiers' daughter, Odille Monk, lost her battle against cancer in December 2019. Monk was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018 and died in December the following year, aged 28.
Since coaching the current world champions, De Villiers more recently coached Eastern Province but parted ways with the club in September 2021. Upon hearing of Monday's tragedy, the Elephants' president, Maasdorp Cannon, extended his well wishes to the family at such a difficult time.
"On behalf of Eastern Province Rugby, the Executive, our members, the clubs and our supporters, we want to extend our heartfelt condolences to Peter and his family," he said. "We will keep him in our thoughts throughout this sad experience."
Former Junior Springboks chief De Villiers was handed the reins of the senior team in 2008 and led them to a disappointing quarter-final finish at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The 64-year-old more recently turned his attention to politics and ran for mayor in the Drakenstein Municipality local elections last year.
"GOOD extends its most heartfelt condolences to @CoachPdV, former SA rugby coach and GOOD Councillor, on the passing of his beloved wife," the party said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May strength, peace, love surround you as you and your family go through this difficult time."
Theresa de Villiers' death comes less than six months after former Springbok Jannie du Plessis—who played under De Villiers—and his wife lost their one-year-old son in a drowning accident.
