Who was Sam Terblanche? Columbia University student’s tragic death inspires his father to fight for healthcare reform

The heartbreaking story of Sam Terblanche, a junior at Columbia University, has deeply moved many after his unexpected death in late 2023. His father, Villiers Terblanche, a South African lawyer, has since dedicated his life to healthcare reform in memory of his son.

What happened to Sam Terblanche?

Sam, who was studying Sustainable Development with a focus on economics, passed away shortly after being discharged twice from a major hospital in New York City. Doctors reportedly misdiagnosed his condition as a viral infection, suggesting only Tylenol for treatment. Sadly, his health deteriorated soon after, leading to his untimely death.

Sam’s passing raised questions about emergency care standards and hospital discharge decisions, prompting his family to search for answers through medical records, autopsies, and consultations with experts in infectious disease and emergency medicine.

Who was Sam Terblanche?

Born in New York City, Sam grew up in Abu Dhabi with his younger brother, Ben. His parents, Villiers and Louise Terblanche, were known for supporting their son’s passion for social change and environmental advocacy.

At Columbia, Sam was an active member of the CU Impact Investing Network (CUIIN) and an intern at Citizens’ Climate International (CCI). His peers described him as a “passionate and optimistic climate advocate” who believed that businesses must take responsibility for reducing carbon emissions.

CUIIN remembered Sam as a warm, driven student who brought “inspiring energy and creativity” to every project. He had also served as Director of Club Partnerships and ran the organization’s newsletter.

Father’s powerful response: From law to healthcare

Sam’s death changed everything for his father, Villiers, who had worked for nearly 30 years as a partner at Latham & Watkins in Abu Dhabi. Deeply shaken by the failures in the healthcare system, he decided to leave corporate law and focus on improving healthcare policy and safety.

Villiers, originally from South Africa, is now enrolled in the NYU Law and NYU Wagner Master of Science in Health Law and Strategy program, where he is part of the Class of 2025. His goal is to bridge the gap between healthcare policy, technology, and patient care — ensuring that no other family experiences the same loss.

He told colleagues that while nothing could bring Sam back, turning pain into purpose was his way to honor his son’s life and values.