Cornelius van der Walt Family Fund

As some of you may know, an incredible person was recently and tragically taken from this world. Cornelius van der Walt was known as many things...skydiver, balloon pilot, adventurer, friend. He was piloting the hot air balloon involved in the horrible accident on the 14th of January of this year. One of a kind, Cornelius lived with a passion for life, friends, and adventure that simply had no equal.

For those who knew Cornelius, our hearts are broken, and we know that there will always be something terribly missing from our lives. For those of you who did not yet have the pleasure, know that you lost a great man. The embodiment of adventure and travel, of good deeds and altruism, his life was the product of a heart of pure gold. He was taken from us far too soon, and the ripples of this event will be running through our collective spirit for a long, long time to come.

Cornelius’s love of skydiving, scuba diving, ballooning and travel took him all over the world, and through this he touched so many with his character, class, and courage. He was a true gentleman. Unassuming, quiet, humble, and alongside this, extremely capable at whatever he chose to do. To list his countless accomplishments and milestones over the years would be out of character for him, and he would certainly scold me for it should the universe give us the pleasure of a reunion one day. I’m sure he would rather those conversations be held in person, with good friends and a hot fire under a star filled sky.

As I write these words, I know there is nothing that can take away the pain we all feel. At best, we can remember the beautiful traits Cornelius brought to this world and do our best to incorporate them into the time we have left in our own lives. In this way, he lives on through us.

Any donation, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated. Your kindness and support will help lift the financial burden on those he left behind, from costs associated with returning him to his family in Namibia, funeral expenses, memorials, and so much more that remains in the aftermath of this sudden and unexpected tragedy.