St Stithians Star Cameron Waldeck-Cooks' Family Appoints Independent Pathologist

• The body of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a netball and rowing star from St Stithians College, was discovered at a self-catering holiday home near Sabie, Mpumalanga
• A second Johannesburg teenager was also found dead at the same property on Monday morning, with police now investigating both deaths
• The family of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks has spoken out, revealing they appointed an independent pathologist to determine the cause of death

The family of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a netball and rowing star at St Stithians College in Johannesburg, has broken their silence following the teenager's death, which was discovered at a self-catering holiday home on the outskirts of Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Monday morning.

A second Johannesburg teenager was found dead at the same property. Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both deaths.

Family appoints independent pathologist

The family of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks confirmed they engaged an independent pathologist to conduct their own examination, a decision that has already yielded findings about the cause of death. Full details of those findings have not been publicly disclosed, but the family's move signals they are seeking answers beyond the official investigation.

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Parents of St Stithians teen Cameron Waldeck-cooks break silence as they share why she was in Sabie

Eyewitness News reported the story on Thursday, 7 August 2026, drawing significant public attention to the case.

Read the family statement below.

Public reaction to the deaths

The news prompted an outpouring of condolences and debate on social media. Several users questioned the circumstances of what took place at the holiday home.

@SilenceEstelle wrote:

"Very sad. It's good that the family could afford to appoint an independent pathologist cause they now know what caused her death. Condolences to all affected by this tragedy."

@ntkzsibeko246 said:

"Such a young soul, condolences to the family"

@MiMiIsKing asked:

"Strangulation? Who would strangle her"

Police have not confirmed the manner of death, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding both deaths are continuing.

Student dies after collapsing during rugby match

Briefly News previously reported that Paul Klaasen, an 18-year-old first-year student at Akademia's Paarl campus, collapsed during an informal touch rugby game on Monday evening

Read also

St Stithians College tragedy: police open murder case as post mortem suggests strangulation, suicide

Staff, fellow students and emergency services responded to the scene but were unable to save the BEd student

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News