Family, friends and fellow cyclists will gather on Friday to celebrate the life of Constantia cyclist Laura Blake, who died after spending more than three weeks in intensive care following a serious road collision.
The 51-year-old Zimbabwean-born mother and businesswoman was remembered by her loved ones as a woman “full of life” with an infectious personality. Her family chose to hold a celebration rather than a traditional mourning ceremony because that is what they believe Blake would have wanted.
Blake died on Saturday at Melomed Tokai Hospital after her life support systems were turned off. She had been critically injured on 12 August when she was struck by a car near the intersection of Tokai Road and Lente Street shortly after 05:00.
The crash happened close to Melomed Tokai Hospital. A doctor from the hospital was among the first people at the scene and helped ensure that Blake received immediate medical attention. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors treated her extensive injuries.
Blake suffered a crushed pelvis, a broken elbow, fractured vertebrae and six broken ribs. She was admitted in a critical condition, remained in a coma and was placed on a ventilator.
Family Held On To Hope
For more than three weeks, Blake’s family hoped she would recover. Her husband, Gary Pomario, said he was cycling on a different route on the day she was hit.
When he eventually stopped and checked his phone, he saw “such a lot of missed calls” from relatives, friends and even the hospital. He phoned back and was told that Blake was in intensive care and had suffered serious injuries.
Her condition later deteriorated as she developed secondary complications. A follow-up scan showed there “was no longer any brain activity”, leaving the family with the painful decision to end treatment.
“She fought bravely, and it was an extremely difficult decision for us to make, but there was nothing more the doctors could do for her,” Pomario said.
“As devastating as that sounds, I still cannot believe she is no longer physically here with the kids and me.”
Pomario described Blake as “full of life” and said she gave her all to everything she tackled. He also remembered her as the most beautiful woman with an infectious personality.
“There are so many memories I will cherish with me forever, but most important of them all were the times we spent together with family, over spontaneous lunches, casual meet-ups, or simply just the two of us lounging around and randomly deciding to go out into nature,” said Pomario.
The couple had been married for five years. Blake is survived by her 18-year-old daughter, Rowen Blake, and Pomario’s 16-year-old daughter, Ana Pomario.
Her Final Wish For The Gardens
Blake, who was originally from Zimbabwe, had made her wishes clear about what should happen after her death. Pomario said she wanted to be cremated and asked that her ashes be used to help grow trees in her name.
Her ashes, she said, must be used as compost for a tree to be planted in her name, at two of her favourite places where there are very large gardens.
The outdoor setting chosen for Friday’s commemoration will be a fitting tribute to Blake, who had a deep passion for gardening. Her family said she had a special gift for growing plants.
“She had a wonderful growing hand and could make any plant grow.”
Pomario said the family had been overwhelmed by the number of messages and calls received since the crash. He expects many people to attend because Blake was so well known and loved.
“We anticipate so many people will show up because she was that well-known and loved. It’s been a little crazy keeping up with all the calls and messages while still trying to arrange the final touches for the celebration of her life.”
The family has deliberately chosen to focus on Blake’s life, her memories and the people she loved rather than allowing the ceremony to become only a time of sorrow.
“Laura wouldn’t have wanted everyone to cry and mourn, so we’re going to celebrate her life.”
Police Investigation Continues
Blake’s family is still waiting for clarity about exactly what happened in the moments before the collision. Pomario said the investigating officer was obtaining a second statement from the driver.
He stressed that the incident was not a hit-and-run. The driver stopped at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
“This was not a hit-and-run incident; the driver stopped at the scene and cooperated with the authorities,” Pomario said, adding that he trusts the police will “do their best in the investigation”.
Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said a case of reckless and negligent driving was initially opened. It has since been changed to a culpable homicide case.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrest has been made,” said Gwala.
The investigation remains ongoing as Blake’s family, friends and the cycling community prepare to say goodbye to a woman whose life was cut short on a road she had used as a cyclist.
Calls For Safer Roads
Neil Robinson, chief executive of the Pedal Power Association, expressed deep sadness over Blake’s death and called for stronger action to protect cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
“We call on SAPS and the government to do something stronger, visible and sustainable about the constant crashes of cyclists on our roads.
“Cyclists, pedestrians, as well as our vulnerable road users must be protected at all costs,” Robinson said.
Blake’s death comes as the cycling community continues to remember another Cape Town cyclist, Landon la Grange, who died after being struck by a minibus while cycling along Victoria Road in Camps Bay.
La Grange had been on a coffee ride with more than a dozen other cyclists when the collision happened in April. His leg was amputated just hours after he was admitted to hospital, but he died the following day because of the severity of his injuries.
A taxi driver accused in connection with La Grange’s death is due back in court later this month. He faces a culpable homicide charge and is accused of overtaking several vehicles before colliding with the cyclist.
For Blake’s family, Friday’s gathering will be about more than remembering a tragic final chapter. It will be a tribute to a mother, wife, businesswoman, gardener and friend who brought energy and warmth into the lives of those around her.
The flowers, gardens and outdoor setting will reflect the woman she was. And as her loved ones gather to celebrate her life, they will carry forward the memory of a cyclist who loved nature, loved her family and refused to live quietly.
