The family of Australian rugby player Shawn Mackay, who died in hospital last week after being severely injured in an accident in Umgeni Road three weeks ago, have expressed their thanks to Durbanites and the hospital staff who tried to save the ACT Brumbies player's life.
In a statement released to the Australian media, Mackay's family said: "We cannot express our enormous gratitude to all the staff at the St Augustine's Hospital for their tireless efforts in attending to Shawn.
"Having seen them at work we can truly appreciate that Shawn was in the best hands possible during his time there.
"Rugby was always a passion of Shawn's and the fact that he was able to play professional football ensured that he lived and died a very happy man.
"Finally, we'd like to thank everyone for their concern during this time and particularly for those who took the time to send their condolences or wish Shawn the best during his recovery. We have been inundated with countless generous offers and messages of support and it has been reassuring and flattering to know that Shawn has so much support in Australia, South Africa and around the world."
Meanwhile, Bonginkosi Phungula, 37, the security worker who came forward to accept culpability for knocking down Mackay, explained through his lawyer, Theasan Pillay, what happened that night. Phungula has been charged with culpable homicide.
He said many vehicles were parked on both sides of Umgeni Road and as he approached he noticed a man running from the opposite lane of the road towards the concrete island and feared that he might cross the lane.
Phungula said he slowed down and pressed the hooter, but suddenly the man ran across his path.
"I applied brakes and tried to swerve. I had swerved my vehicle to the left and crossed over on to as much of the left lane as was available."
But he said he was unable to avoid Mackay. Phungula said he pulled over a short distance away but saw a large group of people running towards his vehicle and he sped off, fearing for his life.