Cameron Waldeck-Cooks Obituary: 17-Year-Old St Stithians Student Dies in Mpumalanga as Murder Investigation Continues
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks Obituary, Death – 17-Year-Old St Stithians Student Dies in Mpumalanga, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a beloved 17-year-old Grade 11 student at St Stithians Girls’ College, has died in a tragic incident in Sabie, Mpumalanga, According to a statement from her parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, the family was notified on the morning of August 3, 2026, that Cameron’s body had been discovered by Graham Coetzee.
Cameron 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.
She had been invited to join two families on a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, which she viewed as an opportunity to work toward completing the requirements of the award.
Murder Investigation Underway
The family appointed an independent forensic pathologist to examine Cameron’s death. According to the preliminary findings provided to her parents, Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation.
Police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation into her death.
The family has urged the public not to treat conflicting or unverified accounts surrounding the circumstances of Cameron’s death as established facts. They emphasized that the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.
Remembering Cameron
Cameron was described by her family as a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student.
She was remembered as kind-hearted, warm and determined, with a quiet strength and a deep concern for the people around her. Her family said she naturally encouraged and supported younger girls who looked up to her.
Her death has left an immeasurable void for her family and everyone who knew her.
The family also expressed gratitude to the wider St Stithians community for its compassion and support, particularly Cameron’s friends and members of the netball and rowing communities. Their kindness has provided important support during an unimaginably painful period.
Memorial Service
A memorial service for Cameron is expected to be held later in August 2026, with further details to be communicated by the family at the appropriate time.
Her parents have asked the media and public to respect the family’s privacy, particularly the children affected by Cameron’s death, as they grieve and attempt to come to terms with their loss.
The investigation into Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’ death remains ongoing, and further details should be treated carefully until confirmed by police or other authoritative sources.
Cameron will be remembered by her family, friends, teachers and the wider St Stithians community for her kindness, determination, quiet strength and the positive influence she had on those around her.
