Tragic Crash Claims Life of Young Hayling Island Rugby Star
Disaster struck on West Lane just before 7.30am on 10th October 2020 when a black Mazda 2 smashed into a tree. The lone driver, 20-year-old Cameron Pierre Knouwds from St Mary’s Road, Hayling Island, was pronounced dead at the scene despite emergency crews’ best efforts.
Family Pays Heartbreaking Tribute
Cameron’s family have shared a moving tribute to the young man described as “dearly loved” and “highly regarded.” Born in South Africa, he moved to the UK as an infant and grew up on Hayling Island. He attended Horndean Infant and Junior Schools before Horndean Technology College.
“Cam was a passionate rugby fan who threw his Springbok spirit into flying down the wing for Havant Rugby Football Club. He was well known and respected, playing since 2015 and later at the Havant Academy in 2017/18,” the family said.
He loved visiting family abroad, often heading to the Netherlands to see his grandparents, and returned to South Africa a few years ago to meet extended relatives. Cameron was about to start a fresh chapter, moving to Somerset and continuing his electrical installation studies in college.
A Kind Soul, Gone Too Soon
Cam was cherished for his deadpan humour and straightforward attitude. A lover of animals, he never had a bad word for anyone. His loss has left a huge void among family, friends, and peers.
Police Seek Witnesses
Officers are continuing to investigate the crash. Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting incident number 44200393189.
