The founder and CEO of Black Women in Science, Ndoni Mcunu, an environmental scientist, passed away over the weekend while on a trip with friends in the Cradle of Humankind.

In a statement the Mcunu family says, “It is with great sadness to inform you of the untimely passing of our beloved daughter Ndoni Mcunu.

“She passed away on Saturday in Krugersdorp. Ndoni Mcunu (PhD candidate) was an advocate for climate change in Africa and the founder of Black Women in Science.

“We loved and adored her deeply. The family appreciates all the messages of love and support from friends and colleagues in South Africa, the African continent and across the world.”

A statement from Black Women in Science confirmed the passing of their CEO.

“The family of Ndoni Mcunu, the founder of Black Women in Science, has confirmed the passing of the environmental scientist in Krugersdorp on April 16”.

The statement goes on to say that the Krugersdorp Police, who notified the family of the death, cited a gas leak at the accommodation venue as the probable cause of death, pending the outcome of a post mortem and the conclusion of the police investigation.

Gauteng District Police provided Krugersdorp News with a statement from District Commissioner, Major General Fred Kekana.

“An inquest docket has been opened for investigation at the Krugersdorp Police Station after two female bodies were found at the camping site around Kromdraai on Saturday, April 16 at around 14:30,” Kekana says.

The statement reads that police attended a complaint and found two women, covered with blankets, sleeping on separate beds. There was an open gas bottle connected to a heater inside the tent as well as alcohol.

The women were certified dead on the scene.

The family has asked for privacy while they mourn and attend to the matter.

A memorial service for Mcunu will be held on Friday and a funeral service will be held on April 30.