'Never got a confession': Father of Reeva Steenkamp, model slain by Oscar Pistorius, passes away

The death of Barry Steenkamp has been confirmed by a social media post from the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation, the foundation set up in honor of his daughter.

On Valentine's Day in 2013, South African model Reeva Steenkamp was shot through a bathroom door by famous athlete Oscar Pistorius, causing a shock around the world.

During the much-publicized trial, the father of the model suffered a stroke, still heartbroken by the death of his daughter. His brother, Mike, blamed the life-threatening condition on the trial.

Recent reports appeared in the media, including The Times, suggesting that Barry Steenkamp has recently suffered a second stroke. However, while confirming his death, the family's lawyers have claimed that Barry had not suffered a second stroke.

Mr. Steenkamp had been in poor health ever since suffering a stroke shortly after Reeva’s murder and died peacefully in his sleep, according to the statement released by the Reeva Steenkamp Foundation.

On what would have been his daughter’s 40th birthday, he celebrated with a cake that had her photograph on top. He had recently stated that he could not forgive Oscar Pistorius.

Reeva, 29 at the time, was shot through a bathroom door by the famous Paralympic champion at his home on Valentine's Day in 2013. The athlete claimed he thought that the model was an intruder.

In 2014, following a dramatic case, Oscar Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to six years in prison. Criticized by women's rights groups as overly lenient, the athlete’s sentence was later increased to thirteen years, after the case was taken to South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal.

A friend close to Mr. Steenkamp claimed that it was his dying wish that Mr Pistorius say "exactly what happened,"  as reported in the Mail.

Pistorius was eligible for parole in August 2022. The parole was denied and the authorities said that they would consider Pistorius’ applications for parole again in August 2024.

In February, Mr. Steenkamp revealed the details of a distressing confrontation he had in the prison with Mr. Pistorius. It had been organized by South Africa’s criminal rehabilitation program. “I told Oscar directly that he had shot my daughter deliberately and he denied it. He stuck to his story that he thought it was an intruder.”

Mr. Steenkamp went on. "We are still waiting for him to admit he did it in anger. That is all we wanted. Pistorius maintained that the killing was an accident." Mr Steenkamp continued: "If he told me the truth, he would have been a free man by now and I would have let the law take its course over his parole... But I was wasting my time. He is a murderer. He should remain in jail."

On Friday, September 15, 2023, the Reeva Rebecca Steenkamp Foundation released the following statement on Facebook: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Barry Steenkamp. Barry was a blessing to many, and he will be remembered with love and great fondness."

Actress Robryn Ross wrote: "My deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all at this time. Barry is now in the loving arms of his sweet girl. Take comfort in knowing that. You are in my thoughts and prayers."

The foundation page was also flooded with condolence messages, like the one from Liesl Schoonraad: "Deepest condolences! What a gentle soul heaven has gained. Much love to you during this time, June." Reeva's mother, June, has now been left a widow.

The foundation's statement concluded with a thought meant to calm the loved ones Barry left behind. "We find solace in the knowledge that he is now with his beloved Reeva."