The tragic death of Wessel Lourens, a Grade 9 pupil from Hoërskool Wonderboom, has sparked an outpouring of tributes on TikTok. Lourens, known for his popular videos showcasing him making tea, was affectionately nicknamed “Teaboy” by his followers. His sudden passing has once again brought issues of mental health, depression, and bullying in schools to the forefront.
The school confirmed the news of Lourens’ death and denied allegations of bullying, stating that he had been seeing the school counselor for private matters throughout the year. The Gauteng Department of Education expressed condolences to his family and the school community, emphasizing the importance of reaching out for support when facing challenges.
TikTok users have been sharing tribute videos under the hashtag “making tea for Wessel,” honoring his memory and impact on the platform. Influencers like Oarabile Mashigo, also known as ‘mashnotpotatoes,’ have shared heartfelt messages about the impact of Lourens’ videos on them.
Despite the speculation surrounding his death, the school revealed that Lourens had shown signs of improvement in recent months. His attendance record and academic performance had improved significantly, indicating a positive change in his well-being. The school expressed sadness over the exploitation of the tragic situation for monetary gain and urged for respect and sensitivity in handling the matter.
The TikTok community continues to mourn the loss of Wessel Lourens and pay tribute to his memory through heartfelt videos and messages. The legacy of “Teaboy” lives on as a reminder of the impact of kindness and connection in a digital age.
