Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was a 17-year-old Grade 11 student at St Stithians Girls' College who was found dead on Sunday, the 2nd of August 2026. In an official statement, her parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, explained that she was working toward the Gold Level of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment – the South African implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
As part of the programme, she was preparing to complete a multi-day adventurous journey and joined two families on a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, to work toward that goal. Her parents were notified on the morning of 3 August 2026 that Graham Coetzee discovered her body.
Investigation and medical findings
The family appointed an independent forensic pathologist whose preliminary findings indicated that Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation, and police have confirmed that a murder investigation has been opened. Her parents noted that conflicting and unverified accounts concerning the circumstances of her death have been reported, asking that speculation not be presented as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.
Previously, her brother Ethan Waldeck-Cooks shared a heartfelt online statement detailing that her lifeless body bore injuries in several parts and that she was murdered by Ethan Coetzee. He dismissed notions of a drug overdose, poison, or a suicide pact, stating instead that she was suffocated to death by strangulation. Ethan expressed deep frustration at seeing people celebrate her murderer, noting that while Coetzee had previously treated his family with kindness and respect, those virtuous deeds now mean nothing.
Family outcry and media response
Ethan Waldeck-Cooks condemned insensitive news headlines and the placement of their pictures next to each other on various pages, stating that the trauma caused to Cameron and their family will not be forgotten. Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks described Cameron as a kind-hearted, warm, and determined young woman with a quiet strength who cared deeply for those around her, noting that her loss has left an immeasurable void.
Community support and memorial
The family expressed profound gratitude for the compassion and support shown by the Saints community, including Cameron's friends and the netball and rowing communities. A memorial service is scheduled for later in August, with further details to be communicated at the appropriate time. The family has asked the media and public to respect their privacy and protect the children affected by Cameron's death as they grieve their devastating loss.