Two teenagers have died during a hiking trip in South Africa, with police launching a murder investigation following the discovery of one of their bodies.
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, were found dead in a lodge room in Mpumalanga, South Africa, on Monday, August 3.
Investigation shifts to murder
Police initially treated the deaths as an inquest after suspecting there had been no foul play. However, preliminary post-mortem findings have since changed the direction of the investigation.
According to preliminary findings and the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist appointed by Cameron's family, she died as a result of strangulation and suffocation. Officials believe Ethan's death was a suicide.
Hiking expedition details
The teenagers were reportedly taking part in a five-day hiking expedition as part of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment, South Africa's equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The programme includes a "multi-day adventurous trek".
Police have since opened a murder investigation into Cameron's death. No one has been charged in connection with her death and the investigation remains ongoing.
Family's statement
Cameron attended the prestigious St Stithians Girls' College, while Ethan graduated from the institution's Boys' College in 2025.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Cameron's parents, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks, said they were informed on the morning of August 3 that Graham Coetzee had discovered their daughter's body.
They said they had appointed an independent forensic pathologist, whose preliminary findings indicated that Cameron had died as a result of strangulation and suffocation.
"The police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation," they said.
Cameron's parents urged people not to treat speculation as fact while the investigation and forensic processes remain ongoing.
They described their daughter 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 for those around her, and naturally encouraged and supported younger girls who looked up to her," they wrote.
"Her loss has left an immeasurable void in our lives."
