Young SA stewardess dies in freak accident on super yacht in south of France

A young South African stewardess has tragically died on a yacht in Nice, in the south of France. The 26-year-old allegedly slipped down an interior staircase, falling so hard she severely damaged her neck, according to the Nice Matin.

The freak accident took place on Saturday morning where the 45-metre boat was docked at Papacino quay in Port Lympia, Nice, on the French Riviera where tons of South Africans flock to find work on super-yachts.

According to Nice Matin, the stewardess had been working on The Goose for two years. The newspaper did not name her, however her boyfriend has started a fundraiser to enable her body to be repatriated to SA, and he has named her as Amber Crouse, who attended Pretoria High School for Girls and the University of Pretoria.

A fellow crew member reportedly found Amber unconscious and tried CPR before calling emergency services and firefighters (who also provide medical services in France). Despite all their best efforts, they were unable to revive her.

Amber had returned for the season, a port regular told the Nice Matin, and slipped down the stairs. “C’est l’accident bête (It’s a freak accident.),” they said. Initial investigations seem to confirm this is what happened. A source in France told SAPeople she was sadly found at the bottom of the crew mess staircase, and had tragically fallen so badly her neck was broken.

The late stewardess’s boyfriend also works on board The Goose, reports Nice Matin.

Ashley Ogborne has started a fundraiser on Just Giving. He says:

“On Saturday 10th June 2023, Amber was cruelly and prematurely taken from us whilst working in Nice, France.

“I would like to help raise funds for her full repatriation, funeral costs and after care for her family, whom she had been a pillar of support for.

“Amber was the kindest and most happy soul I have ever had the pleasure of meeting – A person who you felt you‘d known your whole life within 10 minutes of meeting her. She had a zest for life like no other and lived each and every day with purpose, passion and excitement.

“She was the love of my life and I will miss her for every day that I have left in mine.

“Any help would be so gratefully received in order to make this time as pain-free as possible for her family.”

Whilst competitive, the yachting community is extremely tight knit, and over 153 people have already contributed £6,600 of the £10,000 target. Please donate here if you’d like to help: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/amber-crouse

Writing on Facebook, Ashley said: “Thank you so much for everyone’s kind words, comments, phone calls and support to myself, Amber’s family and my own family.” He said all the funds raised will be given to Amber’s mum, dad and only sister “in a bid to make this process a little easier for them.  Any kind donations or help along the way would be very much appreciated. A family should have only mourning on their minds at a time like this, and any financial burdens that we can help alleviate the pain for would go a long way.”

Ashley’s dad, Kelvin Ogborne, posted a shining tribute to Amber who was “the most incredible person and your outlook on life was nothing but joyous.. You left a lasting impression on EVERYONE you met!!.. I thank you for not only being you, but for the joy and happiness you brought into my son’s life.. You were without doubt SOUL MATES… My thoughts are with your parents at this time.. ”

He said: “To my sons, I have nothing but respect and admiration for how you have dealt with this.. Ashley even in your time of mourning, as always you think of everyone else.. Grant, I finally realise you’re a man now. Family is family. Amber.. You will be missed.. Run free Sea Gypsy.. You were a very SPECIAL young lady…”

The Goose  is currently on sale for $3,7-million, according to Boat International. It includes a 70m squared sundeck and is able to host 100 guests for static events. The boat has five guest cabins (for 10 guests max) – the master, two doubles, and two twins; as well as sleeping quarters for ten crew members. The luxury yacht, which does charters, is known for being dog friendly yacht and is scheduled to be based in Montenegro this summer. Crew are apparently “renowned for their outstanding service”.

Updates: By 10pm on Tuesday 13 June, over £10,000 has been raised. Ashley Ogborne says: “Thank you all so much for your kindness and generosity. What a great community of friends, family and loved ones ❤️”

The Pretoria High School for Girls Old Girls’ Association posted a message on Tuesday saying: “The OGA is surrounding the family and friends of Amber Crouse with strength, healing and love after her tragic passing this weekend in Nice, while working aboard a yacht. May the beautiful memories of her sustain you all through this difficult time. Amber who matriculated from PHSG in 2015 was loved by so many. Rest gently Amber.”

One of her friends wrote: “Fly with the wind Angel Ambz ?? You will always be loved and remembered for your kind and loving heart ❤️ You could heal this entire planet with just one hug ? My deepest Condolences to the Crouse Family, our prayers are with you during this difficult time ? Amber Crouse I’ll see you in the stars beautiful ✨️”