Ex-Durban man dies a hero savi

Ex-Durban man dies a hero saving other people’s lives

South African expat, Lorenzo Rodrigues, drowned after saving the lives of others.

Ex-Durban man dies a hero savi

Former Durban High School (DHS) student, Lorenzo Rodrigues died last week in France while rescuing members of his Foreign Legion unit.

Rodrigues had been living in Nimes, France with his wife and two-month-old daughter, Leia while he worked in the French Foreign Legion.

On Monday, DHS posted a message on its Facebook page that read: “It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of DHS Old Boy, Lorenzo Rodrigues, Class of 2011.”

It was then reported that Rodrigues had died tragically last Friday as he bravely saved members of his unit during a rafting exercise.

Rodrigues heroically saved the lives of eight unit members but drowned while saving the life of his Corporal.

The DHS message ended with condolences: “Lorenzo leaves his wife, Fiona Rodrigues, and two-month-old daughter, Leia Rodrigues. Our deepest condolences to Lorenzo’s family and friends.

Lorenzo will receive a Military Funeral this week in Marseilles. RIP, Lorenzo. Deo Fretus (In God We Trust).”

One message posted on the DHS Facebook page came from one of Rodrigues’ teachers at DPHS, Debbie Diana: “To Elaine and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this terribly sad and tragic time. He was a true gentleman and I was privileged to have taught him in grade 3 at DPHS. X”

Another DHS Old Boy, Chyavan Maharaj said of Rodrigues, “Our motto was always ‘May they ever remember that as he is, so is his school.’ I don’t think even the school’s 150-year history could live up to the respect and admiration you have just earned.”

Just days before his death, Rodrigues’ mother posted a message attached to a picture of Rodrigues’ baby girl, her granddaughter, that said, “My baby girl. Love of my life. See you soon. I have my visa.”

To which Rodrigues replied, “Love you mom : )”