Mpumalanga – The family of 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks has broken its silence following her death during a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, confirming that police are investigating the case as a murder while appealing for privacy and restraint.
In a statement on Friday, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks described their daughter as a “deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student” and appealed for restraint as investigations continue.
“Cameron was working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the South African implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award,” the family said.
They said that Cameron, a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls’ College, had joined two families on a hiking trip in Sabie as part of her preparations for a multi-day adventurous journey required by the programme.
The family said they were informed of the tragedy on 3 August 2026.
“We were notified on the morning of 3rd of August 2026 that Graham Coetzee discovered her body,” the statement said.
According to the family, they appointed an independent forensic pathologist following Cameron’s death.
“We appointed an independent forensic pathologist who has advised us that his preliminary findings indicate that Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation. The police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation,” they said.
The parents also urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information while the investigation is under way.
“We are aware that conflicting and unverified accounts concerning the circumstances of Cameron’s death have been reported. We ask that speculation not be presented as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.”
Paying tribute to their daughter, the family described Cameron as compassionate and determined.
“Cameron was a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student. She was kind-hearted, warm and determined. She had a quiet strength, cared deeply for 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.”
The family thanked the St Stithians community, Cameron’s friends, and members of the netball and rowing communities for the support they have received.
“We are profoundly grateful for the compassion and support shown to our family by the entire Saints community… Their kindness has sustained us during an unimaginably painful time,” they said.
A memorial service will be held later this month, with details to be announced in due course.
The family said they would not be giving interviews at this stage and appealed for privacy.
“We respectfully ask the media and the public to protect the privacy of our family and especially the children affected by Cameron’s death, as we grieve and try to come to terms with our devastating loss.”
Police investigations into the murder are continuing.
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Picture: Facebook/Derrick Cooks
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
