Family of Elana Brooke Calls for Privacy After Alleged Murder by Cricketer Tristan Perez

Family of Elana Brooke Calls for Privacy After Alleged Murder by Cricketer Tristan Perez

  • The family of Elana Brooke has publicly appealed for privacy while mourning her tragic death
  • Tristan Perez, a local cricketer, was arrested after investigators uncovered new evidence that changed the direction of the case
  • Loved ones have pushed back against online rumours, calling for respect as the legal process involving Perez continues

The family of the late Elana Brooke, who was allegedly murdered by her cricketer boyfriend Tristan Perez, has broken its silence and called for privacy as police continue their investigation into the case.

Elana Brooke, Tristan Perez, Cape Town
The family of the late Elana Brooke released a moving statement. Image:@elanabrooke
Source: Facebook

Initial indications suggested that Brooke had taken her own life, but further investigation by police led to the arrest of Perez on 23 March 2026. The local Cape Town cricketer has since appeared before the Wynberg Magistrates' Court on a charge of murder. Brooke’s family has also spoken out strongly against false information circulating on social media and has appealed for privacy.

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Family calls for privacy amid murder investigation

"We ask for privacy as we grieve and respectfully urge everyone to refrain from further speculation or the sharing of unverified information online. We wish to focus our energy on Elana’s memory and the legal process ahead."
“The family would like to thank everyone who has reached out with messages of support, condolences and shared memories of our beloved Elana, who was full of love and life,” the family said in a statement.
“Your kindness has meant more to us than we can express during this devastating time.
“The matter is now a criminal investigation, and we have full confidence in the South African Police Service and the judicial system to ensure that justice is served. We thank them for their communication and compassion from the outset.
“As a family, we are heartbroken and navigating an unimaginable loss. We ask for privacy as we grieve and respectfully urge everyone to refrain from further speculation or the sharing of unverified information online.

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“We wish to focus our energy on Elana’s memory and the legal process ahead.”
Elana Brooke, Cape Town, Tristan Perez
Elana Brooke was allegedly murdered by his cricketer boyfriend in March. Image:@elanabrooke
Source: Facebook

Tributes pour in for Elana Brooke

Elana has been described as authentic, free-spirited and full of life, a devoted mother, sister, daughter and friend whose legacy will live on through her daughter.

Tributes have continued to pour in:

@Grant Scott Pringle

"She was an incredible human being. Condolences to family and friends."

@Lesley-Ann De Wet

"So sorry for your loss, David."

@Foazia Sylvester

"Sincere condolences to David Brooke and family."

@Angela Hendricks

"Our sincere condolences to David Brooke and Elana’s family."

@Tanya Jeffery-De Jager

"💔"

As seen in the post on X below:

Sports stars like former Paralympian champion Oscar Pistorius also in the past made headlines with high profile murder cases after she shot his then girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp. Pistorius was found guilty of culpable homicide in September 2014, a conviction later upgraded to murder in December 2015. Initially sentenced to six years, his prison term was increased to 13 years and five months.

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On Monday, 5 January 2026, Pistorius marked two years since his release on parole. As part of his parole conditions, he is required to attend therapy sessions and participate in programmes addressing gender-based violence, anger management, and community service.

Authorities conduct unannounced visits to ensure compliance, with any violation potentially resulting in a return to prison. His sentence is set to expire in December 2029, but his criminal record will remain for life. Whether he can rebuild his life or return to the sport that made him a global figure remains uncertain.

Athlete arrested for murder

Briefly News previously reported that a 27-year-old professional athlete has made global headlines after allegedly shooting his passenger in his car during an altercation over the weekend in La Plata, Maryland.

The quadruple amputee, Dayton Webber, was driving the car when he allegedly opened fire on the front-seat passenger, Bradrick Wells, 27

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a sports journalist with years of experience covering African and global sports. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). He joined Briefly News in February 2025. For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za.