Christina Storm: Truth About James Small’s Death Revealed

Former model Christina Storm has publicly addressed sensationalized reports surrounding the 2019 death of her ex-boyfriend, Springbok rugby player James Small. Storm shared her recollections during an episode of the KykNET talk show Laataand by Rian, offering a personal perspective on their tumultuous relationship and the circumstances of Small’s passing.

Storm and Small’s relationship, which began in the 1990s during Small’s career as a Springbok wing, was often characterized by a “wild lifestyle” and public scrutiny, according to reporting from The South African. The couple faced numerous allegations, including domestic violence, infidelity, and substance abuse.

“We hit each other. We were young punks. I hurt him more than he hurt me. He was the only man who could look after me until the end.”

Christina Storm, via The South African

Storm stated that despite a period of co-parenting their daughter, Ruby, after their separation, their relationship remained significant to her. She described their co-parenting arrangement as “beautiful” until Small’s death.

Addressing Reports of the Death

Storm directly refuted sensational claims regarding the circumstances of Small’s death, specifically addressing reports that he died of a drug-induced heart attack in a strip club. She clarified that Small experienced a heart attack while waiting for his girlfriend, Julie, at a nightclub.

“James had a heart attack. He was going to meet his girlfriend there. Call it a nightclub, call it whatever. But he was sitting there working on his laptop and ordered a drink. He was waiting for his long-term girlfriend, Julie, with whom he had a child. He had a heart attack, and as they tried to pick him up, his pants slipped down. He was not naked.”

Christina Storm, via The South African

Storm emphasized that reports of Small being found naked at the scene were inaccurate, stating that his pants simply slipped down as he was being assisted.

Small’s Rugby Career and Personal Life

James Small was a prominent figure in South African rugby during the 1990s, earning recognition as a Springbok wing. He was often described as the “bad boy of rugby,” a label that reflected his often-controversial public persona. According to The South African, Small came from a working-class background in Cape Town before rising to prominence in Johannesburg.

Prior to Storm, Small’s personal life was marked by challenges, including a 2001 incident where he physically assaulted Christina Storm and subsequently struggled with alcohol and cocaine abuse, as well as a suicide attempt. These struggles were widely reported in the media at the time.

Storm’s Recent Struggles

While this recent interview focuses on clarifying the details surrounding Small’s death, Storm has previously spoken publicly about her own battles with mental health following his passing. In 2021, she revealed her struggles with depression, panic attacks, and a stint in rehab, as reported by News24. She attributed these challenges, in part, to the grief she experienced after Small’s death in July 2019.

Storm’s recent comments on Laataand by Rian represent her attempt to set the record straight and provide a more accurate account of the events surrounding James Small’s death, offering a personal perspective on a relationship that was often played out in the public eye.