 |
| St Stithians College mourns two students found dead in Sabie as police investigate the circumstances. |
St Stithians College Student Death: What's Confirmed So Far
St Stithians College, one of Johannesburg's most prominent private schools, is mourning the loss of two young members of its community. Grade 11 pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee, 19, were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on Monday, August 3, 2026. Police have opened an inquest, and the exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Here's a clear, factual account of what's been established, what remains under investigation, and how the school community has responded.
The St Stithians College Deaths
- - Who died: Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17 (Grade 11, St Stithians Girls' College) and Ethan Coetzee, 19 (2025 matriculant, St Stithians Boys' College)
- - When: Discovered Monday, August 3, 2026
- - Where: Waterval Self-Catering Holiday Home, a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga
- - Circumstances: Both found in the same bedroom
- - Police action: An inquest docket has been opened; a post-mortem is being conducted
- - Confirmed cause of death: Not yet officially established
- - What's being investigated: Reports indicate police are examining whether a drug overdose may have been a factor, though this has not been officially confirmed
- - Police spokesperson: Colonel Mavela Masondo
- - School response: Separate tribute statements published on Facebook and Instagram for both students
What Happened
According to South African Police Service spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, an inquest docket was opened after a young man and woman were found deceased at a lodge in Sabie on Monday, August 3, 2026. A post-mortem examination is being conducted to help establish the cause of death, and Masondo confirmed that investigations into the surrounding circumstances are continuing.
Some reporting has indicated that police are examining whether a drug overdose may have contributed to the deaths. It's important to be clear about what this means at this stage: this is described as a line of inquiry police are investigating, not a confirmed finding. No official statement has confirmed foul play, an accidental overdose, or any other specific cause. Until post-mortem results and the formal inquest process are complete, the actual cause of death remains officially unconfirmed.
Who Were Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks
Cameron was a Grade 11 pupil at St Stithians Girls' College, having joined the school in Grade R in 2015 — meaning she'd been part of the St Stithians community for 12 years at the time of her death. She was known as an accomplished rower and netball player, and within the school's rowing programme specifically, she was recognised for mentoring younger rowers, described by the school as taking on a supportive "big sister" role for those coming up behind her.
Ethan Coetzee
Ethan completed his full schooling journey at St Stithians, from Grade R through Grade 12, between 2013 and 2025, matriculating just the year before his death. He was a member of the school's 1st XV rugby team, a national champion in equestrian eventing, and served as a senior student in Penryn House, where he was known for mentoring younger pupils. The school described him as someone who approached his academics and sporting pursuits with strength, commitment, and humility.
How St Stithians College Has Responded
The school shared separate tribute statements for each student across its Facebook and Instagram accounts. For Cameron, the school wrote that she would be remembered for her kindness, warmth, and determination, describing her approach to life as marked by resilience and quiet strength.
For Ethan, the school described a young man of strength, commitment, and humility who built strong friendships throughout his time at Saints, extending its condolences to his family, friends, and the Class of 2025.
St Stithians has stated it stands united with both families and the broader school community during this period, and other local schools — including Michael Mount Waldorf School — have also publicly extended condolences to the families involved.
What Happens Next
With an inquest docket now open, the standard process in South Africa involves the completion of a post-mortem examination, followed by a formal inquest to establish the official cause of death. This process can take time, and it's likely that further official confirmation of what happened won't be available until that process concludes. Until then, any specific claims about the cause of death circulating online — including drug-related speculation — should be treated as unconfirmed reporting rather than established fact.
Two young members of the St Stithians College community — Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee — died on August 3, 2026, in circumstances that remain under police investigation. While some reports indicate authorities are examining whether a drug overdose may have played a role, this has not been officially confirmed, and a formal inquest is expected to determine the actual cause of death. The school has paid tribute to both students as valued, well-loved members of its community, and has asked for the families' privacy to be respected during this time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or mental health difficulties, Substance Abuse and Mental Illness (SAMH) helplines and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) offer confidential support and can be reached for guidance.
FAQ
What happened to the St Stithians College student?
Grade 11 pupil Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee, 19, were found dead at a lodge in Sabie, Mpumalanga, on August 3, 2026. Police have opened an inquest, and the cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Has the cause of death been confirmed?
No. A post-mortem is being conducted, and while some reports indicate police are investigating whether a drug overdose was a factor, this has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Were the two students related or connected?
They were both part of the St Stithians College community — Cameron was a current Grade 11 pupil at the Girls' College, and Ethan was a 2025 alumnus of the Boys' College. They were found together in the same room.
How has St Stithians College responded to the deaths?
The school published separate tribute statements on Facebook and Instagram honouring both students, extending condolences to their families and the wider school community.
Where can I find official updates on the investigation?
Updates are being reported through South African Police Service statements, typically relayed via established news outlets such as News24, TimesLIVE, and IOL.
