The South African singer revealed that advocate Lisa Koppel passed away following a private three-year battle with cancer.
By Bulelwa Hoala

South African singer Danny K, real name Daniel Koppel, has paid a moving tribute to his wife, Lisa Koppel, following her passing at the age of 41 after a three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
In an emotional post shared on his official Instagram page, the musician revealed that Lisa was diagnosed in November 2023, but the family chose to navigate her illness away from the public eye.
“Together with our family, we searched for hope in South Africa and around the world, pursuing every treatment and every opportunity available to us. Tragically, despite everything, we could not save her.”
A private battle to protect her family
Explaining why they kept her diagnosis confidential until now, Danny shared that Lisa’s primary focus remained on her family throughout her treatment.
“Lisa chose to keep her illness private. She never wanted pity, attention or sympathy. Above all, she wanted to protect our children and preserve their happiness and innocence for as long as possible. Even through the hardest moments, she remained gentle, humble and remarkably brave, inspiring everyone who walked this journey beside her.”
The singer expressed deep gratitude to the medical team who cared for his wife, adding that he is now sharing her diagnosis publicly to help build awareness around colorectal cancer.
“The Koppel and Gundelfinger families have been left shattered. I have lost the wife I worshipped, our three children have lost an extraordinary mother, and her family and friends have lost someone they deeply loved.
We ask for prayers, compassion and privacy as our families grieve this devastating loss.”
Who was Lisa Koppel?
Lisa Koppel, née Gundelfinger, was the daughter of prominent South African celebrity divorce lawyer Billy Gundelfinger.
Lisa, who was a model and an advocate, started dating Danny in early 2010. The couple married in April 2012 in a high-profile ceremony held at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
They had three children together.
Before his relationship with Lisa, Danny K was in a high-profile relationship with model Lee-Ann Liebenberg.
The couple got engaged in 2008 before calling it quits in October 2009.
READ NEXT: