Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee Cause of Death: St Stithians Community Mourns Deaths of Two Teenagers in Sabie Lodge Tragedy
The St Stithians community and families across South Africa are mourning the heartbreaking loss of two young lives after teenagers Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee were found dead inside a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Monday, 3 August 2026.
The deaths of the two students have left classmates, friends, teachers, and loved ones devastated as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The deceased have been identified as 17-year-old Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls’ College, and 19-year-old Ethan Coetzee, who completed his matriculation at St Stithians Boys’ College in 2025.
Emergency services were called to the lodge after the two teenagers were discovered unresponsive inside a room. Despite the response of medical personnel, both Cameron and Ethan were pronounced dead at the scene.
At this stage, the cause of death has not been confirmed. Police have opened an inquest docket, a standard procedure used when a death is unexpected, unexplained, or requires further investigation. Their bodies have been taken for post-mortem examinations, while forensic teams continue working to determine what led to their deaths.
As investigations continue, those who knew Cameron and Ethan are remembering them for the lives they lived, the friendships they built, and the impact they had on the people around them.
Cameron was described as a young student with her future ahead of her, surrounded by classmates and friends who shared in her journey through school. Her passing has created immense sadness among members of the St Stithians Girls’ College community, who are now coming to terms with the loss of one of their own.
Ethan, who recently completed his schooling at St Stithians Boys’ College, was also remembered by those who knew him as a valued member of the school community. His former classmates and friends have been left grieving the loss of a young man whose life held so much potential.
The news has prompted an outpouring of sympathy and support for both families. Friends, school communities, and members of the wider community have shared messages of condolences as they stand alongside those affected during this incredibly difficult time.
The families of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee are facing an unimaginable loss as they await answers from the ongoing investigation. Supporters have asked that their privacy be respected while authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
May Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee be remembered with love and compassion. Their memories will continue to live on through their families, friends, classmates, and everyone whose lives they touched. Our deepest condolences go to all those grieving this devastating loss.