Smiling Cameron Waldeck-Cooks speaks in resurfaced clip [video]
· The South African
An old clip of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks talking about an experience on a student exchange programme has resurfaced after her death, which has made headlines around the country. The St Stithians College learner is believed to have died in a murder-suicide involving her boyfriend, Ethan Coetzee, a former matriculant.
The teen couple’s bodies were discovered in a lodge near the Sabie game reserve in Mpumalanga a week ago.
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CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS SEEN IN OLD CLIP
In a clip that has resurfaced on social media, Cameron Waldeck-Cooks is seen chatting about her experience on a student exchange programme to the US last year.
The blonde student spent time at the Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School in Atlanta.
In a video clip, an overjoyed Cameron stated that she felt “safe and welcomed” as an exchange student.
She shared that her favourite part of the trip was driving with her new friends, given that the legal driving age in the US is 16. She also enjoyed watching football matches and socialising with her peers.
“It feels like I’m in the movies”, she said.
Sadly, 17-year-old Cameron did not get to experience driving in South Africa.
In the comments section, South Africans expressed their sadness that Cameron’s life was “cut short”, particularly as she had a “bright future”.
GONE TOO SOON
Both Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee’s lives were tragically cut short in the double tragedy,
Cameron, a St. Stithians Girls College Grade 11 student, was working towards the Gold level of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, which is part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
At the time of her death, her family said she had completed a five-day hiking expedition she hoped would help her achieve her goal.
She was also in the rowing and netball clubs and was described as a “natural leader” and a “big sister”.
Meanwhile, Ethan – who matriculated in 2025 – had been part of the first team rugby club, was a national champion in the equestrian sport of Eventing, and was a respected senior student at Penryn House.
WORKING WITH AUTHORITIES
Meanwhile, The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment has pledged to work with authorities in their investigation into Cameron Waldeck-Cooks’s death.
It shared in a statement on Monday, 10 August: “We are aware that the circumstances surrounding Cameron’s death are being investigated by the relevant authorities. The President’s Award will provide whatever assistance is appropriately required.
“The safety and well-being of every young person who participates in The President’s Award is of paramount importance to us.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners, volunteers, schools and the relevant authorities to ensure that the Award remains a safe, supportive and enriching environment in which young people can develop, challenge themselves and flourish”.