SABIE – The parents of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks have released a statement confirming that their 17-year-old daughter died as a result of strangulation and suffocation, and that police have opened a murder investigation into her death.
Cameron, a Grade 11 student at St Stithians Girls’ College in Johannesburg, was found dead on the morning of Monday 3 August at a holiday home near Sabie in Mpumalanga. She had been on a hiking trip as part of her work towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
In their statement, parents Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks said they had appointed an independent forensic pathologist, whose preliminary findings indicated that Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation. They said police had confirmed that a murder investigation had been opened.
The parents also addressed what they described as conflicting and unverified accounts surrounding the circumstances of Cameron’s death. “We ask that speculation not be presented as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing,” they said.
A young woman remembered
Cameron began her journey at St Stithians College in Grade R in 2015 and spent 12 years at the school. She was an accomplished sportswoman who excelled in both rowing and netball, and was recognised as a natural leader and mentor to younger students.
Her parents described her as a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student. “She was kind-hearted, warm and determined. She had a quiet strength, cared deeply about those around her, and naturally encouraged and supported younger girls who looked up to her. Her loss has left an immeasurable void in our lives,” they said.
The parents expressed profound gratitude for the compassion shown by the entire Saints community, including Cameron’s friends and the netball and rowing communities. “Their kindness has sustained us during an unimaginably painful time,” they said.
A memorial service will be held later in August, with further details to be communicated at the appropriate time.
The parents asked the media and the public to protect the privacy of their family and especially the children affected by Cameron’s death. “We are not in a position to give interviews or comment further at this stage,” they said.
Background to the investigation
Cameron’s body was discovered by Graham Coetzee on the morning of 3 August.
A second teenager, Ethan Coetzee (19), who matriculated from St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025, was also found dead at the same location.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the case, initially treated as an inquest, was upgraded to a murder investigation following the release of post-mortem examination results.
According to Colonel Masondo, the autopsy findings indicate that Waldeck-Cooks may have been strangled, while Coetzee likely died by suicide.
Initial police reports had suggested authorities were investigating a potential accidental drug overdose, but the forensic findings altered the direction of the investigation.
No further details have been released as the homicide investigation continues. Police are working to piece together the final hours leading up to the tragedy.
