The deaths of Cameron Waldeck-Cooks and Ethan Coetzee have sent shockwaves far beyond the St Stithians community, prompting an outpouring of condolences from schools across South Africa.

Messages shared on social media reflected a collective sense of grief, with many schools offering prayers, support and words of comfort to the families, friends and all those affected. Below are just a few messages that show that outpouring of support.

Read more: Parents speak out following death of St Stithians learner

Tributes to Ethan Coetzee

Durban Girls’ College wrote:
On behalf of the Durban Girls’ College community, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Ethan’s family, friends, and the entire St Stithians community.

We are keeping all who knew and loved Ethan in our thoughts and prayers during this time of immense loss. May you find strength, comfort, and peace in the memories you shared and in the support of those around you.

St John’s College shared:
We hold the Coetzee family, his friends and the greater St Stithians community close in our thoughts and prayers. May the memories shared with Ethan bring comfort to all who loved him.

Similar messages of sympathy were also shared by Michael Mount Waldorf School, HeronBridge College, Official Fourways High School and De La Salle Holy Cross College, all extending their condolences to Ethan’s family and the St Stithians community.

Clifton School said:
The boys of Clifton, the extended Clifton family and entire School community hold you in our thoughts and Prayers during this incredibly difficult time. May their souls rest in peace.

Also read: Tragic deaths of St Stithians students in Sabie leads to murder investigation

Reddam House Bedfordview posted:
Our school community sends heartfelt condolences to all those affected. We are keeping your students, staff, and families in our thoughts.

Reddam House Helderfontein added:
On behalf of everyone at our school, we are deeply saddened by this loss. Our thoughts are with the entire school community as you navigate this difficult period.

St Dunstan’s College Rowing Club sent a poem verse that read: ‘No farewell words were spoken, no time to say goodbye, you were gone before we knew it, and only God knows why.’ Their added message was: Our sincere condolences to Ethan’s family, friends and Saints’ community on his passing. Our special thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow.

Tributes to Cameron Waldeck-Cooks

Durban Girls’ College wrote:
On behalf of the Durban Girls’ College community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Cameron’s family, friends, and the entire St Stithians community during this incredibly difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Waldeck-Cooks family, and we hold you all close in our hearts as you mourn this profound loss. May Cameron’s memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

Also read: St Stithians community mourns two teenagers

St John’s College shared:
We hold the Waldeck-Cooks family and the greater St Stithians community close in our thoughts and prayers. May Cameron’s memory be a blessing and a source of comfort to all who loved her.

St Anne’s Diocesan College and St Teresa’s School also extended their sincere condolences to Cameron’s family and the St Stithians community, saying they were keeping them in their thoughts and prayers during this tragic time.

Redhill School wrote:
Sending so much love from our hearts to yours.

There are no words that can possibly do justice at a time like this – just that we are so grateful that she was part of such an amazing family and phenomenal school family. We are holding you all close in thought and prayer during this time.

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