The Western Cape Department of Social Development has confirmed that the woman who passed away after a tree fell on her car in Knysna this morning, 6 May, amid severe weather, was a staff member.

MEC Jaco Londt has expressed his sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Lauren Fredericks.

Fredericks, who joined the DSD Knysna office as a social auxiliary worker in August 2021, was on her way to conduct assessments of residents who were evacuated in the area due to adverse weather conditions.

Shortly after stopping, a tree fell on the car.

“I am deeply saddened by this loss. Ms Fredericks had a love for community work and was part of the office’s disaster management response team. Our thoughts are with her family – particularly her young son – friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Knysna police earlier confirmed that a 37-year-old woman had died after a tree fell onto her vehicle on Main Street.

According to authorities, emergency services were dispatched to the scene shortly before 8 am, where they found the vehicle trapped beneath a fallen tree with the driver inside.

Fredericks’ body was recovered at around 11 am. Police have opened an inquest docket.

Amid the tragedy, Londt has moved to acknowledge all frontline workers, including DSD staff, who continue to support and assist vulnerable residents during the current adverse weather conditions.