Media Statement from the Jordaan family

The following statement can be attributed to the parents of 21 year old Johannes Jordaan, know as Chrisjan, Jan (pronounced Yarn) and Annie (pronounced Arnie).

Chrisjan died tragically as a result of the hot air balloon accident in Carterton on Saturday 7 January 2012.

Chrisjan grew up in Randfontein, South Africa and came to New Zealand in 2004 where he started his high school education at Northern Southland College in Lumsden and completed it at Southland Boys High School.

Chrisjan would spend his holidays and weekends working on a dairy farm and used the money he earned to buy his first car.

He completed his first year of Architecture at Victoria University and then decided to take a gap year, and chose to do an internship with Arise Church in Wellington, through Bible College.

During this time, our son went on a mission trip to Africa. Upon his return he decided to begin studying nursing instead at Massey University, to allow him to do further mission work. His weekends were spent working for a builder because he saw nursing and building as two good skills he needed for this goal.

Chrisjan was the youngest brother of two older sisters Elrie and Anmari (and partner Brett). Despite being the youngest, he acted like the eldest child in so many ways. He would introduce Elrie as 'his little sister', despite her being four years his senior!

Chrisjan was filled with wisdom and patience, always up for a laugh and a wrestle with his sisters. His company and his jokes will be missed.

Chrisjan had a love of rugby, cheering both the Springboks and the All Blacks in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He also shared a similar interest in hunting and the outdoors with Brett.

A former teacher of Chrisjan's told us this week that the word that came to mind when she remembered Chrisjan was the 'peacemaker'. He was also the peacemaker in our family and his flat too.

Our son was caring, considerate, well-meaning, altruistic, sensitive, friendly, always trying to help others. He also had a deep love for God and was a key male presenter of the children's programme at Arise Church in Wellington.

Chrisjan was the most motivated person you could ever meet, always on the go, achieving something every day. If people were in need, Chrisjan was always very quick to offer assistance.

You will be forever in our hearts.'