We will use this space to keep you updated for the next few days on the condition of Jaco and his two daughters after the helicopter accident. Chucky – Jaco’s son who was with them in the accident has been discharged from hospital and is in good health.
JACO AND CHILDREN – UPDATE 12H50
BETTER NEWS…
I am glad to be able to report that Jaco did undergo successful surgery last night (16/7) – we have not got much more info on his situation except that he is under sedation and that the specialists are all satisfied with the result so far.
The eldest daughter Ousus did not need an operation after consultation with a specialist in Cape Town. She has age on her side and will need to be in traction for at least two weeks. The two vertebrae that moved have been positioned and the other two that were damaged will because off her age heal in time.
Ulandi (Bokkie) has four cracked vertebrae that will also heal without operation at this stage.
According to information, Jaco was not high up in the air when the engine cut and he immediately told the children to hold on for an emergency landing.
One of the skids that the helicopter lands on, caught on a rock or another object and not the blades as was initially thought.
Jaco apparently did extremely well controlling the machine and had it not been for the rock that made the chopper tumble, the accident would have been much less serious.
The fact that anyone of them got out of that wreckage is a miracle in itself.
The family request that we all pray for them – the two girls are in much pain and one can only imagine the long road to recovery ahead of Jaco.
Our thoughts, good wishes and prayers are with this family and all of us at Rallystar can not express our thanks enough towards the doctors and everyone who played a part in rescuing the four of them.
We will update you as soon as we hear more.
JACO VAN DYK…UPDATE 06h00 17 July 2020
Due to the vast number of enquiries and the extent of the interest in the well-being of Jaco and his three children after their horrific helicopter crash yesterday morning near Windhoek, I decided to publish every bit of news we receive from reliable sources.
If every detail is not technically correct, please see it in the spirit of trying to keep you updated as well as possible under emotional circumstances.
The latest news last night was that Jaco’s son, Chuckie has been released from the hospital, “he is alright.”
Jaco’s daughter, Bokkie has hurt her back and will be operated on today. (17th July 2020)
“Ousus” who was the hero in this incident – it was she who kept her cool and sent their location pin as well as phone in the incident, hurt neck vertebrae and will also be operated on.
Her injuries are not too serious and she will be in traction for about two weeks if all goes well.
The sad news is that Jaco broke his back again. He also broke his “chest bone” (borsbeen), which causes a problem as they have to turn him onto his chest to operate on his badly broken back.
Our source could not determine last night how the surgeons would do this procedure.
We will keep you posted and request anyone with reliable news, to contact me on leon@rallystar.co.za – but please do not send “rumours” or speculations.
This is a very sensitive matter and we are doing all we can to keep all their family, friends and motorsport enthusiasts informed in a responsible but urgent way.
Our prayers are with everyone involved.
