Medi Response KZN’s director, Paul Herbst, laid to rest; his son, Sevaughn Herbst, dies in motorbike accident
Devoted paramedic, Paul Herbst, the late director of the Medi Response and Gift of the Givers team member, was laid to rest at an emotional send-off on Tuesday, 28 February 2023 at the Grace Family Church in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal. Paul died on Tuesday, 21 February 2023, after returning from the joint rescue mission to the Turkey earthquakes. In a very sad and surreal turn of events, Paul’s son, Sevaughan, died in a motorbike accident on Friday, 24 February 2023.
Linda Herbst announced the death of her son Sevaughn on social media, “My beloved son Sevaughn passed away in a tragic motorbike accident. We have gone from a family of four to two in a matter of four days. I am numb, in disbelief. We have not even buried Paul yet. Go easy, my baby, you have so much love waiting for you as you cross over. I adore you endlessly. Mommy,” a heartbroken Linda posted on her Facebook page.
IPSS Medical Rescue, where Sevaughn worked at the time of his death, took to social media to share the news of his death. “A few days later and again the morning begins with tragic news, the passing of Sevaughn Herbst. He will be remembered fondly by many of us at IPSS Medical who have had the pleasure of knowing him for always having a warm smile and kind words, and his special sense of humour. To the Herbst family, we cannot imagine the heartbreak this week has brought. Our sincerest condolences go out to family and friends.”
Medi Response, where Sevaughn previously worked, said it was “shocked and saddened” by his death. “Sevaughn was not only a former colleague but also a close friend to many of us. We offer our sincerest condolences to Linda and her family during this difficult time. Losing a loved one is never easy and we understand the pain must be unimaginable.”
Paul’s funeral The humanitarian organisation’s head of search and rescue Ahmed Bham was among the speakers at the funeral. He says he will always remember Herbst for putting the lives of others before his own. Paul also took part in rescue missions including the 2019 cyclone in Mozambique.
His widow Linda Herbst says her husband’s legacy will always be kept alive. “Paul was a hero to everyone but to me, he was my guy, my person, the only person I could turn to when I needed help. I shared him with the world and I would have never competed with his passion and purpose. I was there when he got back to his safe place, I was his safe space.”
Medi Response statement “We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended the funeral of Paul Herbst. Your presence, whether in person or through the live link, meant the world to all of Paul's loved ones and the Medi Response team. Your support and compassion during this difficult time have been a source of strength and comfort. To those who were unable to attend or experienced difficulties with the live link, we have added a link to the footage of the funeral below. We understand that it can be challenging to be physically present during these times, but we hope that this footage will help you feel connected to the service and allow you to pay your respects to Paul in your own way. Once again, thank you to everyone who attended or watched the service, for your kind words, condolences, and support. Paul was a remarkable person and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Your love and kindness have reminded us of the power of community and the importance of coming together in times of grief.”
Our deepest condolences to Paul and Sevaughn’s family, friends and colleagues during this deeply sad period. May they rest in Peace.
Quote of the week “Reflection helps us to know whether we’re going forward, staying static or going backwards. It’s important you reflect on everything that you do in life.” ~ Dr Imtiaz Sooliman
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