Olympic gold medalist and South African swimming hero Chad Le Clos posted on Instagram on Tuesday that his home outside of Cape Town, South Africa burned down last week. The fire caused the death of his neighbor.
Le Clos lives in Sea Point, a dense coastal suburb of South Africa’s second largest city, and has lived in the apartment for more than a decade.
Sea Point, South Africa By Hilton1949 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
The fire happened on Thursday, July 30, and caused the death of Le Clos’ neighbor, 93-year-old Sam Strime. Strime died of smoke inhalation after paramedics were unable to revive him.
Local reports say the fire broke out around 3:30 in the afternoon. Kevin Strime, son of Sam Strime, said he was told by witnesses that his father helped a woman with a baby flee the building before going back inside to rescue his dog. He sheltered in the bathroom but was ultimately overcome by smoke. His dog survived.
Another neighbor James Luz tried to reach Strime repeatedly but was unable to get through the thick smoke. Luz was able to rescue a nanny and two children.
Police have not released a cause of the fire.
The Full Post Text:
“It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy. On the evening of 30 July, amidst breaking the all-time Commonwealth record, a fire started in my apartment block, which quickly spread to my home. Sadly my home, where I’ve lived for more than a decade, burnt down and there is nothing left to salvage.
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and friends of my neighbour of many years, who tragically lost his life in this fire.
No words can truly ease a loss like this, but I hope the family knows that the thoughts of an entire community are with them.
To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone. This is a tight-knit community and it is in moments like these that we lean on one another.
Together with my foundation, I have set up a dedicated campaign to solely assist my neighbours as they embark on a very difficult journey rebuilding. 100% of any donations raised will go solely to my neighbours, with the Chad le Clos Foundation managing the proceeds to ensure they are looked after. Any donation is appreciated, using the following link – https://pos.snapscan.io/qr/oqg0n5lr
I also want to express my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support shown by family, friends and the broader community. Watching neighbours come together to help one another has been a genuine source of comfort amid the tragedy.
Finally, thank you to the Fire Department, first responders, SAPS and all emergency services personnel who responded so swiftly and worked tirelessly through the night.
The fire happened the day after Le Clos, 34, broke the all-time Commonwealth Games medal record in Glasgow, Scotland, winning his 21st career medal.
At the 2012 Olympic Games, a young Le Clos won the 200 fly by .05 seconds over his sporting hero Michael Phelps, cementing his status as a global sporting star. That was one of four individual Olympic medals, as he also earned silvers in the 100 fly in 2012, the 200 free in 2016, and the 100 fly in 2016.
Additionally he is the holder of 16 World Championship gold medals: four in long course and 12 in short course; has set four Short Course World Records; and has won more Swimming World Cup gold medals than any man in history.
