This is the tweet that broke Oscar Pistorius’ year-long silence

A year after the death of his actress and model girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, Oscar Pistorius has broken his silence on Twitter.

The tweet, which links to the paralympic champion’s website, is the first public communication from Pistorius since he was arrested for shooting Steenkamp on Valentine’s Day 2013.

A few words from my heart on http://t.co/WNF7RXMNLP

— Oscar Pistorius (@OscarPistorius) February 13, 2014

In the statement, Pistorius talks primarily about how the loss of Steenkamp continues to affect him. “No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved — and continues to love Reeva,” he writes.

He also notes his feelings toward Steenkamp’s family, saying that the “pain and sadness — especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow”.

Shortly after Pistorius’ arrest, the site’s focus was changed to be about the latest news about developments in the case as well as messages of support for the murder-accused athlete.

The trial is set to resume next month after being postponed last year. It is set to receive near unprecedented levels of media attention, with South African pay TV service DStv devoting a 24 hour channel to the case.

Pistorius’ full statement reads:

14 February 2014

No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved – and continues to love Reeva.

The pain and sadness – especially for Reeva’s parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow.

The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

– Oscar