Deep Grief After the Loss of His Daughter: José De Cauwer Breaks the Silence
To the outside world, it was a thunderclap out of a clear blue sky—a sudden and devastating loss that left everyone in shock. Debbie De Cauwer, the beloved daughter of popular cycling analyst and commentator José De Cauwer, passed away unexpectedly, plunging her family and fans into profound grief. For the first time, José De Cauwer speaks publicly about this particularly difficult period, revealing the depths of his sorrow and the memories that sustain him.
The day Debbie was laid to rest was the Saturday of the Tour de France start—a poignant coincidence that brought even more emotion to an already overwhelming ordeal. Despite the immense pain, José managed to return to the microphone just two days later to commentate on the race. He explains that this was a way for him to keep going, to find some semblance of normalcy amid the chaos of his grief.
“It’s to help me get my mind off things,” he admits. “Sometimes, I think I’ve experienced everything life has thrown at me. But then something like this happens, and it reminds me that life can still surprise you.”
José De Cauwer’s resilience is rooted in a lifetime of facing loss and hardship. His wife Jeanne passed away when she was only 32, a tragedy that left a lasting scar. He also lost his sisters, Paula and another sibling, to illnesses that left no room for hope. These experiences have shaped his perspective, giving him a certain acceptance of life’s inevitable sorrows.
He recalls visiting Debbie in Roeselare during her final days, a moment etched into his memory. “What hurt me most,” he says softly, “was seeing her in so much pain. When I visited her, she looked at me and said, ‘Sorry for all this pain I’m causing you.’ She was always the one to make others laugh, the one who kept spirits high. Yet, she felt guilty for being unwell. That was heartbreaking.
In her final weeks, Debbie’s pain significantly diminished, much to the relief of her family. She even managed to enjoy a weekend trip with her half-sisters—Giana and Nanouk—whom José considers his true sisters. The trip was a success, filled with laughter and moments of closeness, offering a glimpse of happiness amid the suffering.
José recounts that he visited Debbie shortly before her passing. He was in northern France, covering the early stages of the Tour de France when Debbie was gravely ill. “As soon as I returned home, I went straight to see her,” he says, voice thick with emotion. “I could feel that the end was near. We shared a moment—a silent understanding. We didn’t need many words; the feelings were enough.”
For José, the pain of losing Debbie is compounded by the fact that he was unable to be by her side in her final moments. Nevertheless, the bond they shared remains a source of strength. “We had a lot of unspoken words, but I felt her love and her courage,” he reflects. “That moment, although heartbreaking, gave me some peace.”
He admits that the process of grief is ongoing and that healing is a slow journey. Yet, he finds solace in the memories they created together—the laughter, the love, and the resilience Debbie showed throughout her illness.
In sharing his story, José De Cauwer hopes to honor Debbie’s memory and to show others that even in the darkest moments, there is a glimmer of light. His experience underscores the importance of cherishing loved ones, expressing feelings openly, and finding strength in vulnerability.
He acknowledges that no words can truly ease the pain of such a loss, but speaking out has helped him process his grief. “Talking about it helps me breathe,” he admits. “It keeps her alive in my heart.”
Though the pain remains, José De Cauwer remains committed to moving forward, guided by the love and memories of his daughter. His story is a testament to resilience, the enduring power of family bonds, and the human capacity to endure even the most profound grief.
In the end, José’s journey through sorrow is a reminder that while life can be unpredictable and cruel, love and connection provide the strength to carry on. Debbie’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, inspiring them to cherish every moment and to hold on to hope, no matter how difficult the path may be.
