South African singer Daniel Koppel, better known as Danny K, has paid tribute to his late wife, Lisa Koppel, following her death over the weekend.
The award-winning R&B singer confirmed that Lisa, the mother of their three children, died after a private battle with cancer.
Lisa Koppel, 41, was a model before becoming a lawyer and was the daughter of prominent attorney Billy Gundelfinger.
Danny K breaks his silence
Danny K took to Instagram to pay tribute to his wife and share details of the devastating loss.
According to the singer, Lisa had privately battled colorectal cancer for the past three years.
The couple had kept much of her illness away from the public eye, making the news of her death particularly heartbreaking for those who knew the family.
Family statement
11 AUGUST 2026
For the first time, the family of Lisa Koppel (41) is sharing the deeply private and courageous battle she fought with colorectal cancer for nearly three years.
Lisa was diagnosed in November 2023. From that moment, she fought with extraordinary strength and determination. Together with her family, she searched for hope in South Africa and around the world, pursuing every treatment and every opportunity available to her. Tragically, despite everything, she could not be saved.
The family is deeply grateful to every doctor, nurse and healthcare professional who cared for Lisa throughout her journey, both in South Africa and abroad.
Lisa chose to keep her illness private. She never wanted pity, attention or sympathy. Above all, she wanted to protect her 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 family is sharing Lisa’s diagnosis now for one important reason: awareness. Colorectal cancer screening was traditionally recommended from age 50, but the disease is increasingly affecting younger people. Today, international guidelines recommend routine screening from age 45 for people at average risk. Persistent symptoms should always be discussed with a doctor and properly investigated.
Lisa hoped that one day she would use her experience to raise awareness of this disease and help others through early detection. She never got that opportunity. Her family will now carry that purpose forward in her name.
The Koppel and Gundelfinger families have been left shattered. Lisa leaves behind her husband, Danny, their three children, and a family and community who loved her deeply.
The families ask for prayers, compassion and privacy as they grieve this devastating loss.
Lisa’s illness will never define her. She will be remembered for the way she lived and loved: with kindness, humility, courage and an unwavering devotion to the people who meant everything to her.
THE KOPPEL FAMILY
What is colorectal cancer?
Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the colon (large intestine) or rectum, which form part of the digestive system. It is sometimes simply called bowel cancer or colon cancer, although colon and rectal cancers are technically different.
The cancer usually begins when abnormal cells in the lining of the bowel grow uncontrollably. In many cases, it develops from polyps – small growths on the inner lining of the colon or rectum. While most polyps are not cancerous, some can gradually become cancerous over time.
What are the symptoms?
Colorectal cancer does not always cause symptoms in its early stages. Possible warning signs include:
- Blood in or on the stool
- A persistent change in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea or constipation
- Abdominal pain, cramps or bloating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- A feeling that the bowel has not completely emptied
- Narrower-than-usual stools
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, but persistent or unusual changes should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Who is at risk?
The risk of colorectal cancer generally increases with age, although it can occur in younger adults.
Risk factors can include a family history of colorectal cancer or certain inherited conditions, inflammatory bowel diseases, smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, being overweight or obese, physical inactivity and diets high in processed or red meat and low in fibre.
Can it be prevented?
Some cases can potentially be prevented or detected early through screening. Screening can identify precancerous polyps, which can often be removed before they develop into cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a diet rich in fibre, limiting processed and red meat, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can also help reduce risk.
Early detection is important: colorectal cancer is often more treatable when it is found before it has spread. If you have persistent bowel symptoms or notice blood in your stool, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional rather than ignoring the symptoms.