Princeton University Student-Athlete Kerry Grundlingh, 27, Passes Away In A Cycling Accident Leaving Her Parents Francois And Debbie Grundlingh

Representing the St. Mary's Rowing Club, she won the 2026 U16 Single Sculls at the South African National Championships.

July 28, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 28, 2026

Kerry Grundlingh, a two-time medalist at the Ivy League Championships, tragically died in a cycling accident.

According to Kerry’s handle, she attended St. Mary’s School from January 2018 to November 2026 and later graduated from Princeton University in New Jersey, United States.

She was a dedicated sophomore on the Princeton University women’s open rowing team.

During the 2026 season, Kerry competed in both the First Varsity (1V) and Second Varsity (2V) boats.

Grundlingh played a significant role in the 1V’s successful campaign, helping lead the crew to a gold medal at the Ivy League Rowing Championships.

She was also a part of the 2V crew that earned victories over powerhouse programs, including Brown, Harvard, USC, Rutgers, Columbia, Northeastern, Notre Dame, and Penn.

Representing the St. Mary’s Rowing Club, she won the 2026 U16 Single Sculls at the South African National Championships.

Beyond rowing, Kerry was involved in academics and extracurricular activities at St. Mary’s School.

She earned Academic honors in both 2026 and 2026 and placed in the top 1% of candidates nationally for her finals exams in Mathematics and Geography.

Student-athlete Kerry Grundlingh Has Died In A Cycling Accident After Being Struck By A Car

Princeton University’s student-athlete Kerry Grundlingh, 27, lost her life in July 2026 in a tragic cycling accident after being struck by a car in Johannesburg.

Princeton University’s head coach Lori Dauphny the loss of Kerry. She said,

“The world has lost an amazing young woman with the passing of Kerry Grundlingh,” “She was an exceptional rower and student-athlete, and that is just the beginning of who Kerry was as a person. She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate who constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in each and every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton Rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Kerry’s parents, Debbie and Francois, as well as her brother, James, and all of her family and friends around the globe.”

An amateur sports team, Row SA, took to their official Facebook handle and offered their heartfelt condolences. They wrote,

With the heaviest hearts, we mourn the tragic loss of Kerry Grundlingh. To the Grundlingh family and all those who loved Kerry – from St Mary’s to Princeton – we share your grief and honour her legacy. Kerry had a profound impact on her classmates, teammates, coaches and friends. They fondly remember her dry sense of humour and infectious laugh, as well as her quiet leadership and deep commitment to high performance. This devastating loss has left an unfillable space in those who had the honour of knowing Kerry. Her legacy lives on in the rowing community, and in the lives she inspired, both on and off the water.

GROA, a non-profit organization formed by the rowing community, also mourned Kerry’s loss and sent to her family. They wrote,

In Loving Memory of Kerry Grundlingh We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Kerry Grundlingh, an exceptional young rowing athlete and cherished teammate. Kerry’s passion, determination, and warm spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew her. On behalf of GROA and the wider rowing community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Kerry’s family, friends, and fellow rowers. Rest peacefully, Kerry. You will never be forgotten.

On behalf of Princeton University, Ford family Director of Athletics John Mack said,

“This is a shocking tragedy for the Grundlingh family, our Princeton Rowing community and all at Princeton University,” The hearts of everyone associated with Princeton Athletics are with Kerry’s family and friends, her teammates and coaches, and everyone who had the honor of knowing Kerry as we all grieve together.”

Other close relatives and family members have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Kerry’s family, encouraging them to stay strong during this challenging time.

The funeral service schedule for Kerry Grundlingh will be made available soon. Rest in Heaven, Kerry Grundlingh.

Kerry Grundlingh Is Survived By Her Parents And One Brother

Born in 2004, Kerry Grundlingh was survived by her father, Francois, and her mother, Debbie Grundlingh.

While her parents live in South Africa, Kerry moved to New Jersey, United States, for her further studies.

Francois and Debbie always supported Kerry in achieving her academic and athletic goals.

Currently, they are mourning the tragic loss of their daughter Kerry.

Kerry is also survived by her , James Grundlingh, who has also stayed away from the media spotlight.

In Case You Didn’t Know

  • Kerry was active in the St.Mary’s Leadership Program, participated in the school’s Cultural Enrichment program, and wrote as a columnist for the school newspaper.
  • Her talent earned her national team selection for the Junior World Rowing Championships, competing in the double sculls (2x) in 2026 and the quadruple sculls (4x) in 2026.
  • Kerry’s accolades include South African Sports Honors (twice), a Sports Honor from her school in 2026, and club awards for Most Improved Rower (2026), Best 2000m ERG time (twice), and Best Rower (2026).
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Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

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