Pedrie Wannenburg's son in stable condition in Texas hospital

Former Springbok Pedrie Wannenburg's eight-year-old son, Francois, is in a stable condition in an American hospital after he suffered serious head injuries in a car accident that claimed the life of his father.

The 41-year-old Wannenburg, who played 20 Tests for the Boks between 2002 and 2007, was killed in the multi-vehicle crash in Texas as a high-speed police chase ended tragically.

Afrikaans newspaper Rapport reported on Sunday that a critical Francois was flown to the Texas Medical Center, which is about 30km from the accident scene.

There were initial fears that the boy could also lose his life, but he has responded well to treatment.

"Francois is doing well, he is off the oxygen machine," Pedrie's younger brother, Callie, told Rapport in a WhatsApp message, adding that Francois had opened his eyes and was responding when people talked to him.

"He is stable and we're very thankful."

Wannenburg's wife, Evette, and their 10-year-old daughter, Isabel, were also involved in the crash but emerged unscathed.

READ | TRIBUTE: Pedrie Wannenburg powered Bulls from zeroes to heroes

Meanwhile, the driver involved in the car accident that killed Wannenburg, has been charged with "felony murder", according to Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

In a series of tweets on Saturday afternoon, Gonzalez provided an update on developments surrounding the accident.

It had earlier been confirmed that police had attempted to pull over a 16-year-old suspect, only for the car to speed away and lead to a chase. The suspect eventually crashed into Wannenburg's car near an intersection.

SA Rugby expressed its condolences on the untimely passing of Wannenburg.

"Pedrie will be remembered as one of the first real versatile loose forwards who could play in any