Stunning South African beauty has Reeva Steenkamp has been identified as the model that cops say was killed by her boyfriend of a year Oscar Pistorius, the Olympic track star known as the “Blade Runner.”
“We can confirm that Reeva Steenkamp has passed away,” Ms. Steenkamp’s publicist Sarit Tomlinson told the Associated Press.
“We are in communication with people on the scene, please wait for official statements, as there is too much speculation at this moment in time. We will provide further information as soon as we are able to provide accurate information as to what transpired.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go to the Steenkamp family, who have asked to have their privacy respected during this difficult time, everyone is simply devastated. She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed,” the statement continued.
Ms. Steenkamp, 30, had reportedly been dating the track star for about a year - though it wasn’t always harmonious. South African news outlets reported that “previous allegations” of a domestic nature had been filed.
Yet, Ms. Steenkamp was looking forward to Valentine’s Day with her beau before she was gunned down.
“What do you have up your sleeve for your love tomorrow?” she tweeted ahead of cupid’s day. “It should be a day of love for everyone.”
SEE ALSO: Amputee Olympian charged in girlfriend’s death
On Feb. 1, she tweeted directly to Mr. Pistorius that he was “beautiful,” The Guardian reported. She wrote: “He certainly doesn’t need more followers but he’s beautiful to look at & says some smart stuff too :)”
Ms. Steenkamp, known simply by her first name, Reeva, was one of For Him Magazine’s 100 Sexiest Women in the World for two years in a row, according to AP. Police haven’t formally released her name as the victim, but her publicist has confirmed her death.
This coming weekend, Ms. Steenkamp was supposed to star in a South African reality television series, Tropika Island of Treasure, according to The Guardian.
Fox News reports the suspect – the so-dubbed “Blade Runner” who was a national figure in South Africa after making history in 2012 as the first double-amputee to compete in the Olympics – was released from custody.
Few other details were available, but initial reports were that Mr. Pistorius shot and killed his girlfriend by accident, thinking she was an unwelcome intruder.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.