Parents of St Stithians Teen Cameron Waldeck-Cooks Break Silence As They Share Why She Was in Sabie
- Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was pursuing a prestigious youth award, reflecting the determination and quiet ambition her family says defined her
- Her parents have revealed why the Grade 11 learner travelled to Sabie, sharing the purpose behind the trip before tragedy struck
- Their emotional tribute offers a heartfelt glimpse into the caring, determined young woman Cameron was beyond the headlines
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Source: Facebook
The parents of St Stithians Girls' College learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks have broken their silence, sharing the story of the ambitious and compassionate teenager they say was working towards a personal milestone when she travelled to Sabie, Mpumalanga. Their statement comes after police confirmed they had opened a murder investigation following preliminary post-mortem findings into the 17-year-old's death.
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks was chasing a goal beyond the classroom
In a statement released on 7 August 2026, Derrick Cooks and Claire Waldeck-Cooks said their daughter was dedicated to achieving the Gold level of The President's Award for Youth Empowerment, South Africa's implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
The programme encourages young people to develop new skills, serve their communities and complete challenging outdoor expeditions. As part of the award, Cameron needed to complete a multi-day adventurous journey.
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"When she was invited to join two families on a hiking trip in Sabie, Mpumalanga, she saw it as an opportunity to work towards that goal," her parents said.
They added that they were informed on the morning of 3 August 2026 that Graham Coetzee had discovered her body.
Source: Facebook
Family remembers a teenager who quietly inspired others
Beyond her academic life, Cameron was remembered by her parents as someone who naturally cared for people around her.
"Cameron was a deeply loved daughter, sister, family member, friend and student," they said.
"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."
The family said those qualities were evident in the way she approached life. Rather than seeing the hiking trip as an adventure alone, she viewed it as another opportunity to grow, challenge herself and move closer to achieving one of her biggest personal goals.
Her parents said her death had left "an immeasurable void" in their lives.
Family asks for privacy as investigation continues
The couple said they appointed an independent forensic pathologist, whose preliminary findings indicated Cameron died as a result of strangulation and suffocation.
"The police have confirmed that they have opened a murder investigation," they said.
The family appealed for conflicting and unverified accounts not to be presented as fact while forensic and police investigations continue.
They also thanked the St Stithians community, including Cameron's friends and the school's netball and rowing communities, for the compassion shown since her death. A memorial service will be held later in August.
The family's tribute shifts the focus from the circumstances of Cameron's death to the life she lived, remembering a teenager whose determination, kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on those around her.
St Stithians school spirit video showed Cameron's close-knit community
Briefly News previously reported that St Stithians Girls' College captured South Africa's attention earlier this year after its learners reached the top 10 of 5FM's War Cry Championship with an energetic performance that showcased the school's strong sense of community and spirit.
The performance drew widespread praise online, with many viewers applauding the unity between learners and staff.
Following Cameron Waldeck-Cooks' death, tributes from the St Stithians community have once again highlighted the close bonds within the school that her family said helped support them during an unimaginably difficult time.
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Source: Briefly News
