A hiking excursion near Sabie in Mpumalanga has taken a tragic turn as two young individuals were found deceased in a lodge room, leading to a police murder investigation.
The deceased are identified as 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a Grade 11 student at St Stithians Girls’ College, and 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, who graduated from St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025.
Their bodies were discovered on the morning of 3 August at a holiday lodge.
What began as an inquiry has shifted to a murder investigation following post-mortem examinations that raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Cameron’s passing.
Cameron had journeyed to the Sabie region with two families for a hiking trip as part of her preparation for the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, which is South Africa’s equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
A student at St Stithians College since Grade R, Cameron was well-regarded in her school for her sporting achievements.
She was noted for her proficiency in rowing and netball, as stated by the college.
Her untimely death has left her family, friends, and school community struggling with the loss of a bright young woman described by her parents as warm, compassionate, and determined.
Initially, the Mpumalanga police opened an inquest after discovering the two bodies.
This case transitioned into a murder investigation after post-mortem results were analyzed.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, preliminary results suggest that Cameron may have succumbed to strangulation.
Conversely, Ethan’s death is believed to have resulted from suicide.
Investigators continue to delve into the details of the two deaths, and police have noted that the initial findings may not represent the final conclusions of the inquiry.
Cameron’s parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, have engaged an independent forensic pathologist to evaluate their daughter’s death.
Initial insights from this examination also suggested strangulation and suffocation as contributing factors.
In a statement, the family portrayed Cameron as a passionate and driven young woman, whose passing has left a “immeasurable void” in their lives.
They urged the public and media to refrain from speculation while authorities work to clarify the events at the lodge.
This appeal from the family comes as police continue to sift through the evidence and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
St Stithians College has expressed profound sadness at Cameron’s death, remembering her as a cherished member of the school.
The institution noted her long-standing association since Grade R and her accomplishments in rowing and netball.
The details of her demise have cast a pall over the broader school community, particularly given Ethan’s connection as a recent graduate.
A memorial service for Cameron is anticipated to take place later this month.
The two deaths have raised serious inquiries regarding the events that transpired within the lodge prior to the discovery of the young individuals.
The investigation is ongoing, and police have yet to release a complete account of what transpired.
For Cameron’s family, the immediate focus is on mourning the loss of a daughter who was taken from them too soon at the age of 17.
For law enforcement, the priority now lies in piecing together the timeline of events and clarifying the circumstances of Cameron’s death alongside those pertaining to Ethan.
The investigation continues to develop.
