Cape Town – South African R&B singer Danny K has paid an emotional tribute to his late wife, Lisa Koppel, following her death over the weekend after a three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
The award-winning musician, whose real name is Daniel Koppel, confirmed that Lisa was the mother of their three children and had privately been battling the disease since 2023.
Lisa, 41, was a model-turned-lawyer and the daughter of prominent attorney Billy Gundelfinger. She chose to keep her illness private throughout her treatment, with her family respecting her wishes to protect their children from unnecessary attention and sympathy.
Breaking his silence on Instagram, Danny K revealed that Lisa was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2023.
“For the first time, I want to share the deeply private and courageous battle my beloved wife, Lisa Koppel (41), fought over the past three years,” he said
Danny said that following her diagnosis, the family explored treatment options both in South Africa and abroad in an effort to save her life.
“Together with our family, we searched for hope in South Africa and around the world, pursuing every treatment and every opportunity available to us. Tragically, despite everything, we could not save her,” expressed.
According to Danny K, Lisa deliberately kept her diagnosis away from the public because she did not want pity or sympathy. Her priority, he said, was protecting their children and allowing them to maintain a sense of normality.
He described his late wife as gentle, humble and courageous, saying she continued to inspire those around her despite the difficulties she faced.
“Even through the hardest moments, she remained gentle, humble and remarkably brave, inspiring everyone who walked this journey beside her.”
The family also expressed gratitude to the doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who cared for Lisa throughout her illness, both in South Africa and overseas.
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Danny K said the family had decided to reveal Lisa’s diagnosis for an important reason: to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, particularly as the disease is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people.
He pointed out that while screening was traditionally recommended from the age of 50, international guidelines now recommend routine screening from 45 for people at average risk.
“Persistent symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor and properly investigated,” he said.
Danny K said Lisa had hoped to eventually use her experience to educate others about colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection.
“Lisa hoped that one day she would use her experience to raise awareness of this disease and help others through early detection. She never got that opportunity. Our family will now carry that purpose forward in her name,” he added.
The singer said Lisa’s death had left both the Koppel and Gundelfinger families devastated.
He described the loss as deeply personal, saying he had lost the woman he loved dearly, while their three children had lost an extraordinary mother.
“I have lost the wife I worshipped, our three children have lost an extraordinary mother, and her family and friends have lost someone they deeply loved.”
As the family comes to terms with the loss, Danny K appealed for prayers, compassion and privacy.
He also stressed that Lisa’s illness should not become the defining story of her life, saying she should instead be remembered for the way she loved and cared for those around her.
“Lisa’s illness will never define her. She will be remembered for the way she lived and loved: with kindness, humility, courage and an unwavering devotion to the people who meant everything to her,” he concluded.
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Picture: Instagram/ Danny K
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Compliled by Glaan Sibuyi
