5 Real-life tragedies that gripped the nation [photos]

7de Laan has officially distanced itself from Gregg Pettigrew, the soapie actor who shot and killed his young lover last week. But while the TV star may not have appeared on the Afrikaans soapie, the popular show has suffered many personal tragedies affecting its cast members.

Over the years, beloved characters have had real-life tragedies play out in public.

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FIVE ‘7DE LAAN’ STAR TRAGEDIES

Here are just five heartbreaking stories from over the years.

Randall de Jager – Aubrey

On 22 December 2001, Randall – who played Aubrey Rudolph on 7de Laan – was gunned down in a botched house break-in.

The 30-year-old star was house-sitting for a friend when he was shot in the face.

ALSO READ: Gregg Pettigrew: 5 Facts about ‘7de Laan’ star who killed his lover

Waldemar Schultz – Jan-Hendrik

In 2013, the son of Waldemar – who played Jan-Hendrik Terreblanche on 7de Laan – fell to his death off a cliff at a popular whale-watching spot in Hermanus.

News24 reports that the soapie actor and his family were in the town to attend the Kalfiefees annual entertainment festival.

ALSO READ: ‘Getroud Met Rugby’s’ Gregg Pettigrew: ‘Killer’ actor’s criminal past

Themsie Times – Maria

7de Laan was dealt a major blow when the soapie’s beloved house helper Maria Zibula- played by Themsie Times – died in 2021.

The 70-year-old’s cause of death was never disclosed.

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Antonio Summerton – Rick

The soapie star – who appeared in 7de Laan’s early days, died in a motorbike crash in 2007.

He was just 27 years old.

Patrick Shai – Jacob

The most heartbreaking story involving a 7de Laan star was the suicide of Patrick Shai – who played Jacob Moloi – in 2022.

The veteran star ended his life after allegedly being cyber bullied over a lighthearted video he posted just days prior.

GREGG PETTIGREW TO APPEAR IN COURT

Meanwhile, Gregg Pettigrew will appear in court this week on charges of murdering his 29-year-old boyfriend, Dean Jeran.

The tragedy occurred last week at the 50-year-old actor’s Kempton Park rental cottage. Following the fatal shooting, Pettigrew then attempted to take his own life by swallowing pain medication.

The Getroud Met Rugby actor is also facing charges of illegally possessing a firearm.