Princeton University Athletics
In Loving Memory: Kerry Grundlingh '27
July 27, 2025 | Women's Rowing - Open
It is with profound sadness that Princeton Athletics shares the tragic news that women's open rowing student-athlete Kerry Grundlingh '27 has died in a cycling accident after being struck by a car in her hometown of Johannesburg, South Africa.
"The world has lost an amazing young woman with the passing of Kerry Grundlingh," said head coach Lori Dauphiny. "She was an exceptional rower and student-athlete, and that is just the beginning of who Kerry was as a person. She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate who constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in each and every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton Rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Kerry's parents, Debbie and Francois, as well as her brother, James, and all of her family and friends around the globe."
In her two years competing for the Tigers, Grundlingh was a two-time medalist at the Ivy League Championships and twice rowed at the NCAA Championships. In 2024, she was part of the bronze medal-winning second varsity eight at Ivies that went on to finish sixth at the NCAA Championships. This past season, Grundlingh was part of the first varsity eight that won gold at the Ivy League Championship before winning the Petite Final at NCAAs.
"This is a shocking tragedy for the Grundlingh family, our Princeton Rowing community and all at Princeton University," said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack '00. "Kerry embraced everything that being a Princeton student-athlete entails as she competed on the water and thrived in the classroom. Most importantly, Kerry developed impactful relationships with friends and teammates across campus and around the world. The hearts of everyone associated with Princeton Athletics are with Kerry's family and friends, her teammates and coaches, and everyone who had the honor of knowing Kerry as we all grieve together."
Resources On Campus
Students wishing to speak with a counselor can call 609-258-3141. Additional information on resources for students is available on the TigerLife website.
Staff may contact Carebridge to speak with a licensed professional by calling 800-437-0911.
An opportunity for students who wish to gather and reflect on Kerry's life will be hosted in person this fall.
"The world has lost an amazing young woman with the passing of Kerry Grundlingh," said head coach Lori Dauphiny. "She was an exceptional rower and student-athlete, and that is just the beginning of who Kerry was as a person. She leaves a legacy of her life lived as a tremendous daughter, sister, friend and teammate who constantly gave the best of herself for the betterment of others in each and every daily interaction. All of us in the Princeton Rowing community send our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Kerry's parents, Debbie and Francois, as well as her brother, James, and all of her family and friends around the globe."
In her two years competing for the Tigers, Grundlingh was a two-time medalist at the Ivy League Championships and twice rowed at the NCAA Championships. In 2024, she was part of the bronze medal-winning second varsity eight at Ivies that went on to finish sixth at the NCAA Championships. This past season, Grundlingh was part of the first varsity eight that won gold at the Ivy League Championship before winning the Petite Final at NCAAs.
"This is a shocking tragedy for the Grundlingh family, our Princeton Rowing community and all at Princeton University," said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack '00. "Kerry embraced everything that being a Princeton student-athlete entails as she competed on the water and thrived in the classroom. Most importantly, Kerry developed impactful relationships with friends and teammates across campus and around the world. The hearts of everyone associated with Princeton Athletics are with Kerry's family and friends, her teammates and coaches, and everyone who had the honor of knowing Kerry as we all grieve together."
Resources On Campus
Students wishing to speak with a counselor can call 609-258-3141. Additional information on resources for students is available on the TigerLife website.
Staff may contact Carebridge to speak with a licensed professional by calling 800-437-0911.
An opportunity for students who wish to gather and reflect on Kerry's life will be hosted in person this fall.
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Rowing - Open
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