South Africa is mourning the death of Trevor Tutu, the only son and eldest child of the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and Leah Tutu.
Trevor died at the age of 70, plunging the renowned Tutu family into mourning once again.
The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation announced his passing in an emotional statement released on social media.
“The Foundation mourns the passing of the beloved firstborn and only son of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs Leah Tutu,” the foundation said.
It said there were no words that could adequately express the family’s loss and assured them of its love, prayers and unwavering support.
“Our hearts are with Mam’ Leah, with Thandeka, Naomi and Mpho, with his children, and with all who loved him,” the statement read.
The foundation also honoured Trevor’s memory by sharing one of Archbishop Tutu’s best-known reflections on family.
“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them,” the quote read.
It concluded the tribute with the message: “May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”
The Diocese of Grahamstown also conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
In a Facebook post Bishop Mcebisi Pinyana urged Christians across the country to keep the Tutu family in their prayers.
“Let’s keep the family of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in our prayers in this difficult time,” he wrote.
In a separate message, the diocese prayed that God would grant the family strength, peace and comfort as they grieve.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tutu family during this difficult time. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort that surpasses all human understanding. We find hope in the assurance of Christ’s resurrection and eternal life,” the diocese said.
The church also quoted Psalm 116:15, saying: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
The cause of Trevor Tutu’s death has not been made public.
The family has yet to announce details of his funeral and memorial service.
Tributes have continued to flood social media, with South Africans expressing their condolences and remembering the Tutu family’s immense contribution to the country.
