Sabie's Tragic Weekend Unveiled: The Heartbreaking Story of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and 'Amazing' Ethan Coetzee

The tragic deaths of Ethan Coetzee, 19, an alumnus of St Stithians Boys College, and Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls’ College, at a Sabi game lodge, have been met with widespread grief and an ongoing police investigation. Both individuals were found deceased in the same room, with authorities now treating Cameron’s inquest as a murder investigation, while Ethan is believed to have taken his own life.

Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was actively pursuing the Gold level of the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African version of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, which mandates a multi-day adventurous journey. She saw an opportunity to fulfill this requirement when she was invited to join two families on a hiking trip to Sabie, Mpumalanga. Ethan Coetzee, who matriculated from St Stithians Boys College in 2025, was also part of this group. Ethan was remembered for his significant sporting achievements, including being drafted into the first team rugby where he earned his rugby colours, and being a national champion in the equestrian sport of Eventing. He was also a respected senior student at Penryn House.

The bodies of Cameron and Ethan were discovered on the morning of Monday, August 3, by Graham Coetzee at the lodge. Initially, on Wednesday, August 5, Colonel Mavela Masondo of the police confirmed that an inquest had been opened, and a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death. At this preliminary stage, no specific indication of foul play, suicide, accident, or illness was provided.

The investigation escalated on Friday, August 7, when the inquest was upgraded to a murder case. Preliminary post-mortem findings suggested that Cameron Waldeck-Cooks may have died by strangulation, while Ethan Coetzee is believed to have died by suicide. Following these developments, police issued a statement urging the public to refrain from speculating about the circumstances of the deaths as the investigation continues.

Cameron’s parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, took proactive steps by appointing an independent forensic pathologist. On Friday, August 7, they released a statement via Facebook, confirming their independent pathologist’s findings of strangulation and suffocation. In their statement, they indicated they were not in a position to give interviews or comment further at that stage, requesting that the media and public protect the privacy of their family and the children affected by Cameron’s death.

The St Stithians College community and beyond have been inundated with heartfelt tributes for both young individuals. On Tuesday, August 4, St Stithians College posted separate tribute statements for Cameron and Ethan on Facebook. Gabriella de Gama, a friend of Cameron’s, shared a poignant message, remembering Cameron as kind and