Former F1 driver Jody Scheckter has revealed he is ‘utterly heartbroken’ following the death of his daughter at the age of 21.
Ila Scheckter, the fifth of Mr Scheckter’s six children, died in her sleep at home last Thursday following a ‘suspected accidental overdose’ after ‘losing her battle with addiction’, her parents announced today.
In a statement given to Femail, Mr Scheckter and his wife Clare, who run Laverstoke Park Farm, in Hampshire, said the ‘family are utterly heartbroken and totally devastated’ by Ila’s passing.
The couple told how their ‘intelligent’ and ‘compassionate’ daughter had ‘wanted to be clean, healthy and happy’ and had been due to start treatment for her drug use the day after her death.
Ila’s older brother Hugo and younger sister Poppy also paid tribute to their ‘beautiful’ sister on Instagram, with each sharing their own collection of personal photos.
Ila Scheckter, daughter of South African F1 champion Jody Scheckter, died last Thursday following a ‘suspected accidental overdose’, her parents announced today. Pictured, Ila, fourth from right, with (l-r): brother Freddie, sister Poppy, father Jody, brother Toby, brother Hugo (behind), mother Clare and brother Tomas celebrating the 40th anniversary of Jody’s F1 Championship win at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza last month
Mr and Mrs Scheckter told how their ‘intelligent’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘compassionate’ daughter had ‘wanted to be clean, healthy and happy’ and had been due to start treatment. Pictured, Ila cradles her nephew in a photo with brother Freddie, sister Poppy and mother Clare
Ila’s older brother Hugo and younger sister Poppy also paid tribute to their ‘beautiful’ sister on Instagram, with each sharing their own collection of personal photos. Pictured, one of the recent images shared by Hugo in his moving Instagram post
The family statement read: ‘Ila had been diagnosed with a brain tumour two years ago totally out of the blue and subsequently underwent major brain surgery.
‘In recent months, she had developed epilepsy which resulted in her having extreme anxiety and fear of seizures. She lost her battle with addiction in trying to numb the fear and feelings that overwhelmed her.’
Ila’s death comes just weeks after she joined her parents, four brothers and younger sister to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Mr Scheckter’s 1979 World Championship victory at the Italian GP in Monza.
Photos of the event show Ila smiling as she posed with her family, despite being ‘really unwell’ at the time.
‘It was the last time the whole family were united and together they celebrated this milestone,’ Mr and Mrs Scheckter said in their statement.
The proud parents paid tribute to their ‘larger than life’ daughter, saying she was ‘funny, outrageous, beautiful, smart, compassionate, empathetic, loyal and with a smile that could light up a room.’ But she was ‘also full of self-doubt and anxiety’.
Writing on Instagram yesterday, Hugo, Head of Player Care at West Ham United, told how Ila was ‘unfairly troubled for so many years’. He shared this sweet childhood photo of Ila
Poppy put out a public request for any ‘pictures or memories’ of Ila to be sent to a family email address. Hugo revealed that there will be a memorial at a later date, pictured
The statement continued: ‘She saw the good in everyone else and managed to touch the hearts of so many people in ways that she never realised. Whilst she was loved by so many, she struggled to feel that love.
‘But she was adored by so many and the outpourings of love to the family from friends and people whose lives she impacted has meant so much to us.’
The couple told how Ila had recently enrolled at the University of Westminster to study Psychology for Counselling as she wanted to be able help others with their mental health.
Mr and Mrs Scheckter also praised the ‘many wonderful friends’ and ‘support’ she had found from the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous.
The statement added: ‘Aged only 21, Ila has been taken from our lives too soon and the pain our family feel at her loss is unbearable. Ila is at peace, no longer suffering the fear of further brain surgery – awake, seizures, chemotherapy, radiation etc.
‘Please respect our privacy to grieve the loss of a much loved daughter, sister and aunt. There will be a private family funeral and a memorial service later to celebrate her short life.’
Writing on Instagram yesterday, Ila’s brother Hugo, Head of Player Care at West Ham United, told how Ila was ‘unfairly troubled for so many years’.
‘The only positive is that she’s now at peace and pain free,’ he continued. ‘She wanted to get better so badly and fought to do so. We are all gutted and miss her terribly.’
Younger sister Poppy, a model, shared touching family photos as she wrote movingly about how addiction had ‘stolen’ her ‘beautiful’ big sister from her.
‘You would always check if I was okay even if you weren’t,’ she wrote. ‘Life will never be the same without you – you should be here to watch me grow up, see our nephews become young men, help me one day to pick out my wedding dress and to meet my kids but I know you’ll be looking over me and I hope to make you proud.
She continued: ‘I should of been able to see the day you were free from suffering because that’s what you aimed for, all you wanted was to try your best to be a good role model to me.
‘You made me the person I am today and you gave the best advice even if you didn’t take it yourself. I wish I could hear your voice one last time and give you one last hug even if you did make me be the big spoon.
‘Hours before you were taken from me, we were dancing and laughing together in my room I’ll never forget how happy you made me.
‘I love you so much Ila, nothing will break our bond. I hope you are happy and peaceful up there.’
Poppy put out a public request for any ‘pictures or memories’ of Ila to be sent to a family email address. Hugo revealed that there will be a memorial at a later date.
Both posts were met with an outpouring of support from friends and family, who joined in celebrating Ila’s life.
Among her friends was socialite Lola Bute, daughter of the 7th Marquess of Bute, who posted her own tribute to Ila on Instagram, describing her friend as a ‘beautiful soul’ and an ‘amazing force of nature’.
South African-born Jody Scheckter competed in Formula One from 1972 to 1980, winning the Drivers’ Championship in 1979 with Ferrari.
He shares two sons, Toby and Tomas, with first wife Pamela and had four children, Hugo, Freddie, Ila and Poppy with wife Claire.