Cameron Waldeck-Cooks memorial service goes ahead

More than a month after her tragic death, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks has been fondly remembered in a memorial service. The St Stithians College student was found dead alongside her partner, Ethan Coetzee – an alumnus – at a game reserve in Mpumalanga.

Police have confirmed that a murder-suicide investigation is open.

Cameron allegedly died from strangulation/suffocation, while it has been reported that Ethan took his own life.

CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS MEMORIAL SERVICE

Over the weekend, the memorial service for Cameron Waldecks-Cooks took place.

The event was private, with no public details on its venue or guest list.

The Facebook and Instagram accounts of the St Stithians water polo team revealed that it had dedicated a game during a tournament over the weekend to Cameron, who also played the sport.

It shared: “This past Sunday, September 13, coincided with the memorial service for our beloved Saints Girls College Gr 11 student, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks. Unable to attend the service while competing on the final day of the St Alban’s Beach Polo tournament, our boys made sure Cameron was with them in spirit. Standing united by the pool, the team wore black armbands with ‘CAM’ written on their arms to honour her.

“Their heartfelt message to Cameron and her loved ones: ‘We wish we could have been there today. You will always be in our thoughts’”.

It’s unclear if the memorial service for Ethan Coetzee has taken place.

WHAT HAPPENED TO ETHAN COETZEE, CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS

In early August, news broke of an alleged murder-suicide involving two St Stithians learners: Grade 11 student Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee.

Cameron, 17, and Ethan, 19, were found dead at a lodge in Mpumalanga on Monday, 3 August. Police initially investigated the deaths as an inquest and suspected that no foul play was involved.

However, preliminary findings as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist have stated that Cameron died from strangulation/suffocation.

Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide. A later report suggested that Ethan was a “jealous” and “controlling” partner to Cameron.

Police subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death. The investigation continues.

ST STITHIANS SILENT ON GBV, MURDER-SUICIDE COMMENTARY

In a statement to TimesLive last month, St Stithians stated that it was “aware of difficult conversations this tragedy has prompted”

The Johannesburg private school, which dedicated a Women’s Day message to Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, had come under fire for its tribute to Ethan Coetzee just days earlier.

Many have accused the school of portraying Ethan as a “hero”.

The school declined to respond to rampant rumours about the alleged murder-suicide, including allegations of GBV and possibly drug use.

It shared: “We remain focused on supporting those most affected and caring for our community as it continues to navigate this profound loss”.

St Stithians also vowed to support students and staff affected by the double tragedy.