PI weighs into deaths of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks, Ethan Coetzee

 A private investigator (PI) has weighed in on the deaths of St Stithian teen couple Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee, whose alleged murder -suicide has made headlines over the past few days.

 The 17-year-old and 19-year-old were found dead at the Wateral self-catering lodge in Mpumalanga.

Police upgraded an initial inquest into a murder investigation after preliminary post-mortem findings suggested that Cameron had been strangled/suffocated and that Ethan had taken his life.

The parents of the teens have also publicly spoken, pleading for privacy amid the double tragedy.

PI WEIGHS INTO CAMERON WALDECK-COOKS, ETHAN COEZTEE DEATHS

On his Facebook account, Durban PI Brad Nathanson weighed in on the deaths of St Stithians learner  Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and 2025 matriculant Ethan Coetzee.

Since news broke of their deaths, social media users have run rampant with rumours as to what happened to the teenage couple. r 

Nathanson, a former policeman, shared: “I have been asked repeatedly what my thoughts are about the tragic deaths of the two young people at a lodge in Sabie. My answer is quite simple and, for now, remains the same: I have no opinion. I am simply deeply saddened by this tragedy. 

“I am not mandated to investigate this case. I do not have access to the crime scene, the forensic evidence, the post-mortem findings, the witness statements or the investigation docket. So, I will not speculate.

Nathanson shared that he was concerned about “speculation and sensationalism” about the deaths.

“Two young, vital, beautiful human beings are dead. That is the only thing I know with absolute certainty.

“Some people need to remember that not every tragedy requires our opinion. Sometimes the most respectful thing we can do is remain silent.

“Allow the SAPS to investigate, allow the pathologists and forensic specialists do their work. Allow a chance for the evidence to speak. But until the facts are established, perhaps we should stop trying to solve this tragedy from our keyboards.

“When the investigation is complete, and the facts are known, those demanding answers may get them. For now, two young people are gone. That should be enough.

WHEN WILL MEMORIAL, FUNERALS TAKE PLACE

In a statement to the public, the parents of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks shared that a memorial service would take place during the month of August. A date has yet to be made public.

It’s unclear if she, or Ethan Coetzee, has been laid to rest via a funeral service.

St Stithians, the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment and anti-gender-based violence activists, Women For Change, have paid tribute to Cameron.

A group of cyclists who took part in the Trans Baviaans Race dedicated their mountain biking race to Cameron. The teen’s dad, Derrick Cooks, was moved by the gesture, sharing: “What you and the team did for Cam is incredibly special….knowing you carried her with you means everything. Cam would have absolutely loved this”.