A sense of shock and sorrow continues to ripple through South Africa’s running community following the death of Pretoria athlete **Dezirée du Plessis**, a devoted mother of two and well-known long-distance runner. Du Plessis tragically passed away in hospital this week, several days after being critically injured during the **Soweto Marathon** on 29 November 2025.
The 45-year-old athlete, fondly known as *Dezzi*, had participated in numerous endurance events over the years, earning respect for her determination, discipline, and passion for road running. Her final race took an unexpected and devastating turn when she was struck by a taxi that reportedly entered the marathon route without permission. Emergency medical teams rushed her to hospital, where she underwent urgent surgery for **intracranial haemorrhage**, a life-threatening condition resulting from bleeding on the brain.
Despite medical intervention and days of intensive care, Du Plessis was unable to recover from her injuries. Her sister, **Marijke Miller**, confirmed her passing in a heartfelt message shared on Facebook early this morning. “*Dezzi breathed her last breath this morning and completed her race. She fought to the end but went soft and peaceful,*” Miller wrote, expressing the family’s grief and gratitude for the support they have received.
### **Community Support and Fundraising Efforts**
In the days following the accident, runners from across the country united to support Du Plessis and her family. A **BackaBuddy** fundraising campaign was launched to help cover mounting medical expenses, and South Africans responded with enormous generosity. The initiative has raised over **R330 000**, highlighting just how deeply her story touched people nationwide.
A special **fun run** had also been planned at the Run-A-Way store in Pretoria for tomorrow, intended to raise additional funds to assist with her recovery. Although Du Plessis passed away just one day before the event, organisers confirmed that the run will still go ahead—this time in her memory. Runners are expected to gather in honour of the woman who inspired many both on and off the road.
### **Driver Arrested Amid Ongoing Investigation**
The tragic incident has raised serious questions about race-day safety, traffic control, and driver behaviour. According to reports, the taxi driver who struck Du Plessis was allegedly **driving under the influence** and had **ignored instructions** from metro police officers who had denied him access to the marathon route.
Authorities have since arrested the driver on charges of **reckless and negligent driving**, and further investigations are underway. The running community, as well as Du Plessis’s family, are hoping for accountability as they mourn her loss.
### **A Life Remembered**
Du Plessis’s death has cast a sombre shadow over an event that celebrates resilience, unity, and community spirit. Tributes have poured in from fellow runners, friends, and supporters who remember her as a dedicated athlete and loving mother whose enthusiasm inspired many.
As South Africa reflects on this heartbreaking tragedy, her family, friends, and the broader athletics community are left to honour her legacy—one built on passion, perseverance, and a profound love for the sport.
May she rest in peace.
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