Texas teen charged with 'felony murder' over Pedrie Wannenburg death

A Texas teenager has been charged with 'felony murder' over the death of former Springboks back row Pedrie Wannenburg.

Wannenburg was driving with his family when the SUV they were traveling in was hit by the 16-year-old who was fleeing police after a traffic stop.

Local news agencies have named the driver as one Ali Alabadi, who has now been hit with multiple charges, including 'felony murder'.

It has been reported that Alabadi was driving at over 100mph at the time of the collision with Wannenburg's vehicle.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez Tweeted that: "...the suspect. 16 yrs of age, has been charged with felony murder, Reckless Aggravated Assault-Serious Bodily Injury, and 3X Aggravated Assault-Bodily Injury. His two passengers, also 16 yrs of age, sustained non-life threatening injuries.

"The deceased male has been identified as Pedrie Wannenberg (41). His 8-yr-old male passenger has life-threatening injuries and remains in critical condition. A 10-yr-old female passenger has no reported injuries. The suspect struck three vehicles. A fourth vehicle was unable to stop in time and struck one of the initial vehicles struck..."

"Our condolences go out to the victim’s family and pray for a full recovery for those injured."

Wannenburg's son underwent surgery yesterday and is in critical condition.

The tragedy has rocked South African rugby and indeed the many rugby communities around the globe that Wannenburg's career touched.

President Mark Alexander told SA Rugby’s official website: “Pedrie will be remembered as one of the first real versatile loose forwards who could play in any position in the back row and even though he played in only 20 Tests, his record in the colours of the Bulls, during a period where they dominated on all levels, is nearly unmatched.

“After he finished his career in South Africa, he went on to make a big impact playing club rugby in Ireland, France and later the USA, and he started giving back to the game in a coaching capacity after he retired a few years ago.

“Pedrie was a fun-loving and hard-working man and someone who gave all he had on the pitch, but afterwards always had a smile on his face.

“To lose someone at the cusp of the rest of his life with a young family, after a long and storied rugby career, is extremely sad and our thoughts are with his wife, Evette, their two children, Isabelle and Francois, as well as his parents and other family members, loved ones and friends during this very difficult time.”

The flanker was the first to play 100 matches for the Bulls in Super Rugby and won three titles with the Pretoria-based side in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help support his family.