The family of Ethan Coetzee have broken their silence, disputing preliminary findings that he was involved in the death of his girlfriend, St Stithians Grade 11 learner Cameron Waldeck-Cooks.
The former matriculant is believed to have died by suicide, whilst Cameron was allegedly strangled to death. Their bodies were found in a Sabie game lodge on Monday, 3 August, by Ethan’s father.
The teenage couple had enjoyed a hiking expedition at the game reserve alongside family members.
ETHAN COETZEE’S FAMILY BREAKS SILENCE
In a statement, the family of Ethan Coetzee, a St Stithians alumnus, disputed that he was involved in the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks.
The family claimed that there was “no sign of an altercation” and that Ethan “sustained no injuries consistent with a struggle”.
They added that the couple appeared happy the night before their deaths.
Ethan was described as “kind, gentle and loyal”, particularly towards Cameron.
Their bodies were described inside the Waterval Self-Catering Holiday Home by Ethan’s father, Graham Coetzee.
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‘MURDER’ SAYS CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS’ BROTHER
While Ethan Coetzee’s family have disputed allegations he was involved in Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’s death, the late teen’s brother, also Ethan, accused her partner of “murder”,
In a screenshot of an Instagram post, Ethan shared:
“My sister, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, was found dead…Her corpse lay lifeless, with injuries in several parts of her body. She was murdered by Ethan Coetzee. There was no drug overdose, no poison, no suicide pact. Ethan Coetzee suffocated my sister to death by strangulation. She did not pass peacefully.
He continued: “And while both passings affect many lives in diverse ways, I will not sit by myself and watch as people celebrate my sister’s murderer. He was a brother to me, he always treated me with kindness and respect, and he enlightened my family. But to me, all his virtuous deeds mean nothing now.
“My sister was only 17 years old and had her life taken away from her. I know my sister and what she stands for. And that is to speak up”
Ethan added that he was infuriated about posts and tributes to Ethan Coetzee, particularly those that included images of the late teens together.
He added: “The trauma he caused her and my family will not be forgotten”
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WHAT WE DO KNOW
Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, 17, and Ethan Coetzee, 19, were found dead at a lodge in the Sabie area of Mpumalanga on Monday, 3 August. Cameron was a Grade 11 learner at St Stithians Girls College, while Ethan had matriculated in 2025.
Police initially investigated the deaths as an inquest, and initially suspected that no foul play was involved.
However, post-mortem findings changed the direction of the investigation.
According to preliminary findings as well as the opinion of an independent forensic pathologist involved, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks died from strangulation/suffocation.
Ethan’s death is believed to be a suicide.
Police have subsequently opened a murder case in connection with Cameron’s death.
No person has been charged with Cameron’s murder, and police have not publicly announced that Ethan was legally determined to be her killer. The investigation continues.
