- Chad le Clos lost his home of more than a decade in a devastating fire that tore through the Dorchester apartment building on High Level Road, Sea Point, on 30 July.
- The fire, which broke out at around 15:30, killed 93-year-old resident Sam Strime, who died of smoke inhalation.
- Le Clos was at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when the fire occurred, shortly after he broke the all-time Commonwealth Games medal record.
- Le Clos expressed his condolences on Instagram, stating, "It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy... my home... burnt down, and there is nothing left to salvage."
- The fire was contained around 21:30, with crews from several stations deployed, and a flare-up was suppressed the following Friday.
- Le Clos has launched a campaign through the Chad le Clos Foundation, pledging that 100% of donations will go to assist displaced neighbours.
- The fire resulted in the total loss of Le Clos' property and a fatality within the immediate apartment block.
- Sam Strime attempted to rescue his dog during the fire but was overcome by smoke, leading to his tragic death.
- One firefighter was injured and taken to the hospital while responding to the fire.
Chad le Clos, the celebrated South African swimmer, faced a personal tragedy as a fire ravaged his Sea Point home while he was at the Commonwealth Games. The fire, which broke out on July 30, resulted in the death of 93-year-old resident Sam Strime, who succumbed to smoke inhalation.13468
Witnesses reported that Strime attempted to save his dog, but was ultimately overwhelmed by smoke. “It has taken me a while to process this heartbreaking tragedy,” Le Clos shared on Instagram, reflecting on the loss of his home of over a decade. “Sadly my home, where I’ve lived for more than a decade burnt down, and there is nothing left to salvage.”
The fire, which started around 15:30, was contained by firefighters after several hours, but not before it caused significant damage and claimed a life. “To my fellow neighbours whose homes and lives have been severely affected by this fire, please know that you are not alone,” Le Clos reassured his community, emphasizing the importance of support during such crises.
In response to the tragedy, he has initiated a donation campaign through the Chad le Clos Foundation, pledging that 100% of funds will go to displaced neighbors. This initiative aims to assist those affected by the fire, highlighting the solidarity within the community. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but the incident underscores the vulnerability that can accompany even the most successful athletes.
As Le Clos continues to excel in his swimming career, the juxtaposition of his professional achievements against this personal loss illustrates the unpredictable nature of life, where triumphs can be overshadowed by unforeseen tragedies.
“The blaze killed 93-year-old Sam Strime, who died of smoke inhalation after warning a woman with a baby to flee and running back inside for his dog. Le Clos, who had just won his record-breaking 21st career Commonwealth Games medal, is directing 100% of Chad le Clos Foundation donations to displaced neighbours.”
News24
