Kepler Volleyball Club player Jean Baptiste Tuyizere has paid an emotional tribute to his late teammate Patrick Byiringiro, describing his death as a painful loss to the team and those who knew him.
Byiringiro passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, after battling stomach cancer, leaving behind teammates and friends mourning the loss of a player who had become an important figure at Kepler VC.
Tuyizere, who shared the court with Byiringiro for three years, expressed his grief through a heartfelt message posted on his Instagram story. The two players were teammates from the club’s formation in 2023 and played in the same middle blocker position.
“Dear my brother,
Death took you without asking us,
Leaving my heart broken,
Leaving our home wrapped in painful silence,” Tuyizere wrote.
He described the late teammate as someone with whom he shared both joyful and difficult moments, adding that Byiringiro’s absence had left a gap that would be difficult to fill.
“You have rested away from our eyes, but you will forever live in our hearts. May God receive you among His own and grant you eternal rest,” he added.
Tuyizere joined Kepler VC from REG VC and had formed a strong partnership with Byiringiro during their time together at the club.
The two were part of the Kepler VC team that won the 2024 Padiri Kayumba Emmanuel Memorial Tournament held at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare, also known as Indatwa n’Inkesha School.
Kepler VC and those close to Byiringiro will hold a memorial evening on Saturday, July 18, before he is laid to rest on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
