The Namibian transport and motorsport industries are reeling from the tragic death of Jaco Nicolaas van Dyk (52), the well-known owner of Van Dyk Petroleum and passionate off-road racing driver, who died in a car accident on Saturday night.
Van Dyk was driving alone in his black Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon when he reportedly lost control of the vehicle after colliding with the Calvent Bridge on the B8 road between Otavi and Grootfontein. The vehicle overturned and Van Dyk was ejected from the car and died at the scene. The accident happened around 21h00.
According to the Namibian Police, he was the sole occupant of the vehicle. It’s believed he was returning to Grootfontein from Swakopmund when the crash occurred.
Van Dyk was not only a respected businessman in the fuel transport and distribution space, but also a seasoned rally driver and pilot.
Motorsport communities across Namibia have expressed their heartbreak, remembering him as a loyal supporter of the sport and a father who actively backed his children in their own racing careers.
Tragically, this marks Van Dyk’s second major brush with death. In July 2020, he and his three children miraculously survived a helicopter crash in the mountains near Heja Lodge east of Windhoek. Van Dyk was critically injured in that incident, while his children suffered fractures.
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He was also said to be preparing for a major personal milestone: participating in the Dakar Rally, a dream now forever out of reach.
Namibians from all sectors have paid tribute to Van Dyk, describing him as a dedicated leader, adventurer, and family man whose sudden passing leaves a huge void.
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