{
  "id": 17432023,
  "title": "“We are still trying to comprehend the depth of our grief,” says family of Desmond D’Sa",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/we-are-still-trying-to-comprehend-the-depth-of-our-grief-says-family",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T16:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/thepost/news/2026-10-31-we-are-still-trying-to-comprehend-the-depth-of-our-grief-says-family-of-desmond-dsa/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The family of Durban environmentalist Desmond D’Sa expressed their ongoing struggle to grasp the profound depth of their grief following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of D’Sa, his son Rodney D’Sa, and sister-in-law Patsy Bishop on Thursday. D’Sa was en route to address a protest at Eskom offices in Durban when a trailer detached from a tractor, colliding with their vehicle on the R106 highway.\n\nIn a statement released on Saturday, the family conveyed their immense heartbreak, stating they were still grappling with the incomprehensible loss of their beloved father, brother, uncle, and anchor, Desmond D’Sa, along with Rodney and Patsy. They emphasized that while Desmond was revered for his tireless advocacy for environmental justice, unyielding support for the voiceless, and remarkable courage, to them, he was simply their father, brother, and uncle.\n\nDesmond's unwavering love for his family served as the bedrock of all his endeavors. The family extended their gratitude to the SDCEA, emergency services, neighbors, friends, and individuals from across the globe who have offered condolences, prayers, and acts of kindness during this difficult period. Such gestures have provided them with the strength they never imagined they possessed.\n\nThe details surrounding Desmond's funeral are yet to be determined.",
  "summary": "The family of Durban environmentalist Desmond D’Sa said they were still trying to comprehend the depth of their grief after D’Sa, his son Rodney D’Sa, and sister-in-law Patsy Bishop died in a car crash on Thursday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Family of Desmond D’Sa struggles to comprehend grief after tragic car accident.",
    "Desmond, Rodney, and Patsy killed in collision on R106 highway.",
    "Family grateful for condolences and support during difficult period."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}