The parents of Mehdi Narjissi, a young French-Moroccan rugby player, demand answers concerning their son’s disappearance at sea during a training trip with the French U18 team in South Africa, his family made their comments in an interview with French outlet Sud Ouest, in August 27.
Nearly a month after the tragedy, the family is demanding answers to find out who is responsible for the incident.
Narjissi, a rising star at Stade Toulousain since 2022, was swept away by a wave during a seaside outing at the Cape of Good Hope in early August, according to the French Rugby Federation (FFR).
“We entrusted our 17-year-old son to them when we dropped him off at the train station to go to Paris and then to South Africa with a major institution,” said Mehdi’s mother, referring to the FFR.
“We have lost our sunshine,” she added.
Jalil Narjissi, Mehdi’s father and a former professional rugby player in Morocco, stated that the incident couldn’t have been an accident, given that the beach is known for its dangerous waves.
“We haven’t yet physically found Mehdi. How can we mourn? It’s inhumane,” the father continued.
“We want answers; we want to know who is responsible for our son’s disappearance,” the parents stated, visibly distressed.
They have filed a complaint against unknown persons, suspecting negligence may have caused Mehdi’s disappearance.
“We entrusted our son to them, and he didn’t return. It was a mistake. I don’t even understand how this mistake could have been made,” the mother added.
Since Mehdi’s disappearance, emergency services, including boats and helicopters, have been tirelessly searching the area to find him.
South African authorities believe he was swimming at Diaz Beach when strong currents dragged him away; a teammate tried to assist but was unable to reach him in time.
The FFR has contacted Mehdi’s family, including his father, Jalil Narjissi, known for his charitable work with the Foundation. The FFR has also set up a psychological support unit for the U18 team.
Mehdi Narjissi began playing rugby at the age of five at SU Agen, where his father also played. He joined Stade Toulousain at 15 and was considered a rising star in French rugby.