Barry Steenkamp, the father of Reeva Steenkamp, the South African lady who was fatally shot by Olympic runner Oscar Pistorius, has died at 80, a family spokesperson said Friday.
Confirming Steenkamp’s demise, a foundation set up by the Steenkamp family in memory of Reeva said Barry Steenkamp died in his sleep on Thursday evening, family lawyer and spokesperson Tania Koen confirmed his death.
“We find solace in the knowledge that he is now with his beloved Reeva,” it said.
Reeva was shot dead on Valentine’s Day in 2013 by Pistorius, who was her boyfriend. He is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the murder.
Barry Steenkamp suffered a stroke amid the Pistorius trial in January 2014, but later recovered.
In March this year, Pistorius’ attempt for parole failed after it was revealed he had not yet served enough time to qualify for early release.
Barry Steenkamp met face-to-face with Pistorius last year as part of a program in South Africa that allows victims of crime or their families a chance to confront offenders who have applied for parole. At that meeting, Steenkamp said he urged Pistorius to confess that he had intentionally shot Reeva in rage after an argument.
Pistorius says he mistook Reeva Steenkamp for a dangerous night burglar hiding in his bathroom and shot her multiple times through the toilet door in self-defense.
Reeva’s mother, June, opposed the bid, saying she did not believe Pistorius was remorseful or reformed.