Former rugby international Pedrie Wannenburg has been killed in a car accident.
The former Springbok rugby player, along with his son Francois, was flown to hospital but later died of his injuries.
News of the tragedy emerged on Saturday following the fatal incident in the US on Friday, which is reported to have happened when a high speed police chase ended in a multi-vehicle collision.
According to local news reports in Harris County, Houston, Texas, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said a deputy had attempted to pull over a 16-year-old suspect, only for the car to speed away and lead to a chase.
His son is undergoing treatment, while wife Evette and daughter Isabelle escaped serious injury. The driver and two passengers of the suspect vehicle were taken to hospital.
In a statement on social media, Ulster Rugby said: “Ulster Rugby is deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of former flanker, Pedrie Wannenburg following a car crash in Texas.
“The Springbok played a major role in Ulster’s Heineken Cup and Pro12 campaigns, making 54 appearances for the Ulster men between 2010 and 2012.
“Our thoughts are with his wife, daughter, and son, who we hope pulls through and makes a full recovery.”