Goodbye Ashley Callie.

Today's post is dedicated to the memory of Ashley Callie, as her family, friends and colleagues attend her memorial service in Johannesburg to say a sad goodbye. According to Top Billing she loved the sea, and to me this photo represents the person I got to "know" through my TV. Sunny, composed, thoughtful, deep, radiant, charming, interesting, someone you'd be proud know.

Even though we in Durban are 600km from much of the South African action, we still feel as though we know our TV stars personally. As their talent is showcased in the local soapies, and their lives revealed on the various magazine programs, they become part of our daily lives.

Although only 33, Ashley Callie is one of South Africa's success stories. Over the years we've seen her in various TV commercials, and lately as one of the leading characters in Isidingo (my one and only soapie addiction). She also has a sucessful restuarant business outside of the world of entertaiment.

Two weeks ago she was involved in a serious car accident, which left her in a coma with severe head injuries. A week later the nation was shocked when she died, without having regained conciousness. We were all so hopeful that she would recover. Each day as we watch Isidingo it feels so strange seeing her play her part, and yet knowing she is no more. Some people just go too soon!

At this time I also give a thought to the other's who were involved in the same accident, some sustaining serious injury, and still in hospital. I wish you all a speedy recovery.

The background Durban's Daily Photo blog has been changed to the same background as the site dedicated to Ashley Callie, and will remain so for a week.