Charlbi Dean Kriek (32), Cape Town-raised actress and model, has sadly passed away. The cause of her untimely death appears to be getting confused with a car accident in 2009.
Her cause of death is yet to be confirmed by a family representative.
In 2009, Kriek was in a near-fatal car accident after her then-boyfriend crashed into a truck on Marine Drive. She damaged two vertebrae, broke her wrist, four ribs and an elbow. She also suffered other internal injuries, including a collapsed left lung. Life-saving surgery resulted in what became a ‘signature’ belly scare, which she recently rocked in a fashion show in the US.
@charlbi143/Instagram
Off the runway, Kriek was a serious actress. The local talent was celebrated for her role in the movie Spud, and recently, starred alongside Woody Harrelson in the Palme d’Or winner, Triangle of Sadness. A beaming ray of light for local talent wanting to be on the big screen, the news of her passing is devastating.
@charlbi143/Instagram
Kriek frequently posted her Cape Town life on social media before travelling to the States. There, she absolutely stole the show at the 2022 Cannes. Her career was on the fast track.
In a magazine interview, she said that she was still adjusting to the fame. Regardless, her personality on social media was infectious and humble. Down to Earth and hardly ever without friends, family, and her most unusual-looking pup nearby. Kriek was also recently engaged to her longtime boyfriend.
@charlbi143/Instagram
The news was confirmed by the rising star’s brother on social media. A deeply touching, original poem was shared and signed off: “in loving memory of Charlbi Dean Kriek”.
Our sincerest condolences to Kriek’s family and all of her loved ones.
Feature image: @charlbi143/Instagram
