Oscar Pistorius’ Statement on Anniversary of Reeva Steenkamp’s Death

On the anniversary of South African model Reeva Steenkamp’s tragic death, Oscar Pistorius has said he will carry the loss of Reeva and the trauma of that day forever, and that it was a “devastating accident”.

In a statement published on his website, he said:

No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva.

The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow.

The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

– Oscar

The fallen Olympic and Paralympic star, nicknamed Bladerunner, shot Reeva dead  while she was in the toilet at his home, in the early hours of Valentine’s Day last year. He claims he thought she was an intruder.

His court-hearing is due to begin in March.

Oscar  has also posted his first tweet on Twitter in over a year. His last message was on 12 February 2013. Today’s tweet says: “A few words from my heart on http://www.oscarpistorius.com.”

Reeva’s own Twitter page is still online, with her final joyful post still visible – “I’m there like a bear!!! Yayyy!!!! X”.

It was written on the night of 13 February 2013, just hours before she died.

Oscar Pistorius’ website has been overwhelmed with thousands of messages of support from all over the world for Oscar and for the family of Reeva Steenkamp over the last few months. 

In a statement on the website, his uncle Arnold Pistorius says on behalf of the family:

“We have every confidence as a family that when the world has heard the full evidence that this will prove to be a terrible and tragic accident which has changed many lives forever. We are praying for everyone touched by this tragedy.”