A respected Hillcrest pharmacist and mother of twins tragically lost her life when her vehicle was swept away during severe flooding.
Vanitha Jeawon's vehicle was carried off the Gordon Road bridge near Stapleton Road in Pinetown, while she was returning to her home in Moseley Park, in Northdene, from work last night.
The 54-year-old's car was washed down the river and was found mangled.
ALS Paramedics Medical Services were the first responders on the scene.
Garrith Jamieson, the spokesperson for ALS paramedics, said: “A terrible scene from last night where a vehicle was washed away in the Sarnia area. Nothing has been left of this vehicle. Unfortunately, the female was found in the early parts of the morning by rescuers and she had sustained fatal injuries and was declared deceased on the scene."
A friend of Jeawon said she was in shock after hearing about the incident.
“Vanitha was such a lovely person. She was caring, loving and kind. When I heard the news, I couldn't believe it because we had just spoken.”
She said Jeawon adored her daughters.
“She was a dedicated mother. It’s so sad that they won’t have their mum with them anymore. She took the utmost care of them. She was also a good wife. She and her husband made a beautiful couple. Overall, they were a loving family and I hate to see this tragedy change their lives. Vanitha will be deeply missed,” added the friend.
Her funeral will be on Sunday at the Clare Estate Crematorium.