A cherished memory: the last picture of the Moodley sisters with their cousins

A JOHANNESBURG mother is mourning the loss of her two daughters, Connor (25) and Cassidy (23) Moodley, who died in a car accident while returning from a family celebration in Cape Town. Their sister Storm (27) survived with injuries.

The accident occurred on Sunday morning, at 8:30am, in Klein Karoo, just outside of Britstown.

Their uncle, Lance Poonawassy, said his nieces had taken a road trip to Cape Town to attend and celebrate the graduation of his son Keeran Poonawassy.

“They were with us for the weekend and we were so happy celebrating together. They are a group of only five cousins and are close-knit.”

He said the trio left Cape Town on Sunday morning. 

“Connor was driving back home. At this stage we do not know how the accident happened. But we do know that  Connor and Cassidy were flung out of the car and died en route to hospital. 

“Storm sustained injuries to her face and body. A passer-by saw the accident and gave Storm their cellphone to call her mother. It was a traumatic phone call for my sister to hear her daughters were in an accident.”

He said Storm was taken to hospital and treated for her injuries. She is back home with her family.

“It has always just been my sister Janene and her three daughters. She is struggling right now but the family is rallying around her and helping her through this tough time.

“We had to travel from Johannesburg to the Karoo, to receive the bodies and bring Storm home. It has been devastating for us," he said.

He said that Connor and Cassidy were well-loved. 

“My nieces were bubbly, caring and loving girls. Everyone who met them, loved them. Cassidy was a primary school teacher, Connor was a personal assistant and Storm works at Investec.  Connor and Cassidy will be missed,” said Poonawassy. 

Yesterday, their mother, Janene Moodley posted a tribute on social media. 

“On behalf of myself, Storm, and our family, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support we have received during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of our beloved Cassidy and Connor in a motor accident. The past two days have been unimaginable, as our family travelled to the Karoo to make the necessary arrangements to bring Connor and Cassidy home to Johannesburg. By the grace of God, Storm's condition has stabilised, and she has safely returned home. Our family is now making funeral arrangements,” said Moodley.

Cristel Venter, the principal of Roosevelt High School, said they were devastated by the news of the Moodley sisters.

“The tragic passing of Connor and Cassidy Moodley has rocked Roosevelt High School to its very core. These two remarkable young women were the very definition of sunshine in human form, and their absence has left a void that words can scarcely describe. Connor attended RHS from 2015 to 2018, and Cassidy from 2016 to 2020. During their years at the school, not a single infringement was ever recorded against them, something that speaks volumes of their character. They were hard-working, loyal, sweet, and funny.

“Connor, the mischievous one, always had a joke ready and always looked out for those around her, especially her younger sister. 

“Cassidy, on the other hand, was affectionately known as the “sonskynkind” by one of her teachers. She had a smile as wide as the N1 and never walked past anyone without offering a hug and a cheerful greeting.

“The Moodley sisters were more than siblings; they were one. Together with their mom, lovingly known as “Neen,” and their older sister, Storm, they formed an unbreakable bond.

“We miss you. We love you. May your beautiful souls rest in perfect peace,” said Venter.

The funeral of Connor and Cassidy will take place on Saturday. 

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