- St Patrick's College in Kokstad shared a heartfelt tribute to a learner named Ethan on 10 October 2026
- The school asked for prayers for Ethan's father Richard, alongside the Ingram and Dorning families
- The post moved hundreds of people online, with many sharing condolences for the grieving families
Source: Facebook
St Patrick's College in Kokstad is grieving the loss of a young learner named Ethan, after the school shared a moving tribute to him on Facebook on 10 October 2026.
The school posted the message on behalf of its community, describing Ethan as a treasured member of the St Patrick's family. The school wrote:
"Though his time with us was far too short, the mark he has left on our hearts will never fade."
The post asked that love, thoughts, and prayers be extended to Ethan's family during what it described as an incredibly difficult time.
The college specifically asked for prayers for Ethan's father, Richard, calling for strength, comfort, and peace for him in the days ahead. The tribute also offered condolences to the Ingram and Dorning families.
St Patrick's community rallies around the families
The post drew an outpouring of grief from parents, community members, and former pupils who knew Ethan personally. Many described him as a "precious little boy" and shared their shock and heartbreak at the news.
View the Facebook post below:
Mzansi sends love to the Kokstad family
The community's response in the comments on the page was one of deep sorrow and solidarity:
Beverley Groom wrote:
"Such tragic and heartbreaking news. How we all loved this precious little boy. Our deepest sympathies go out to both the Ingram and Dorning families and to all his friends...
Bev Hudson said:
"My sincerest condolences to the Ingram and Dorning. Our love and heartfelt sympathy are with you all at this very difficult time."
Lettie Neethling shared:
"Nadine, no amount of words can take away the pain. All we can say is we pray for you and the family and friends for strength to get through this extremely difficult time. May the warmth and love of family and friends surround you."
Magriet Hans Bezuidenhout wrote:
"Condolences to the Ingram and Dorning family. Praying for full recovery for Richard. Fly high with the angels, precious Ethan."
Cathy Casalis said:
"Thinking of the Ingram and Dorning family and sending so much love."
Sinovuyo Sibiya added:
"My God, such a baby. What happened?"
St Patrick's College closed its tribute with a simple but powerful message:
"Rest peacefully, Ethan. You will always be one of our own."
More Briefly News stories on young loss
- Mpumelelo Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal announced the death of one of its young learners, leaving the school community and South Africans mourning.
- Pinetown Girls’ High School mourns Grade 9 learner Lamla Tenza, as classmates and staff share grief and the school urges kindness and support in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Stanger ML Sultan Secondary School mourns Grade 9A learner Bonga Mthembu, as the school shares condolences and offers counselling to learners and educators.
Source: Briefly News
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